Happy Friday! The weekend is almost here, hooray! And how about this crazy 60 degree weather today? Makes me feel like I’m back in San Francisco. Anyway, at We Heart Astoria we are always keeping an eye on the Twitterverse, and wanted to share some of the local personalities that keep us coming back for more.

@sacsplace Serving the cuisine of Abruzzo, a cuisine that exudes personality without pretension. Our food is an expression of love & caring & we wish to pass it on to you.

We love the banter that occurs regularly with the voice behind the Sac’s Place twitter account. Always engaging with strong opinions, paired with unending support of the local Astoria community, this is a twitter account to follow, for sure. Plus the avatar makes me drool. Seriously. Yum is the operative word.

@QueensMamas Your source for all things Queens, from one mother to another.

There’s no other source on the web that is as comprehensive as Queens Mamas when it comes to talking about kids, parenting, and everything in our fair borough. They’re an excellent resource for news, views, and information for parents around Queens. We’ve done a little bit of collaboration with them, and keep a lookout for future posts on kids and parenting, with help from the Mamas.

@JeffreyTastes I’m finding awesome food, cultural, rad, and other experiences in New York – especially Queens. My mouth has ADD.

Jeff Orlick has done much to promote food in Queens. He gives food tours through parts of interior Queens, and is the champion of lesser known eateries that are as good (if not better) than the more well-known ones. He was one of the people behind the brilliant event that was Woks and Lox. Pay attention to him – he won’t steer you wrong.

@RedTamara Cook. Mistress of Sunday Night Dinner and One Ass Kitchen Catering. Rough language talker about food on Unique Eats. Co-author of Forking Fantastic! Food Writer.

Tamara Reynolds is well-known in Astoria as the force behind The Sunday Night Dinner, serving the multitudes delicious food from her neighborhood kitchen. She’s also a narrator-commentator for Unique Eats, and produces eating events throughout the country. I love reading about her adventures!

@WaltzAstoria Waltz is a coffee shop by day, live entertainment venue by night. Waltz is a family of neighborly locals and tireless travelers. Waltz is you and me…

Waltz is one of the best places in Astoria to see live music, not to mention they serve tasty coffee, great wine, and yummy sandwiches (try the cheddar and avocado). Follow their twitter account for the latest news and updates from this unique spot in the neighborhood.

And apart from our time spent here on We Heart Astoria, you can find the ladies of WHA at @Fooditka (Judith), @SITEnews (Mackenzi) and me, @harmoniousbelly. If there are any Astoria twitter accounts we should follow, please let us know in the comments. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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What To Do This Weekend, 1/26/12

by judith on January 26, 2012 · 0 comments

We’re heading for another mild winter weekend, as both days look promising, giving you the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the neighborhood.  Since we’re in limbo at the moment, waiting for the big NYC Giants Superbowl next week, keep it casual this weekend and enjoy some great eats.  Save the drinking and partying for next weekend!

Image by yelp.com

At We Heart Astoria, we love a nice pizza and wine.  A totally great place to enjoy both, with some good friends is Via Trenta on 30th Avenue.  We were pleasantly surprised by how much it had to offer, from really crispy wood oven pizzas to homemade pasta and fresh desserts (think really creamy tiramisu and a cool panna cotta), there’s something for everyone.  The atmosphere is fun and social – a nice way to enjoy any weekend evening with good friends.  Via Trenta36-19 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.2090

If you appreciate a good meatfest, you’re not going to want to miss Koliba’s Venison Feast this entire weekend from Friday – Sunday.  The menu is designed for serious meat eaters and includes things like sauteed boar’s leg, wild rabbit in cream sauce, deer in cream sauce and plenty of other goodies.  If you’d prefer to order off their regular menu, that’s cool too, and I urge you not to miss the spaetzle with sheep’s milk cheese and smoky bacon.  Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.0430

Image by Museum of Moving Image
For a mix of old and new, head over to the Museum of Moving Image for their See it Big! screenings.  I just love the concept of this, as the museum’s beautiful main theater is used to screen classic films that have been” restored from 35mm and 70mm to new digital restorations.”  If this sounds appealing, stop by tomorrow or Saturday night for a screening of Woody Allen’s Manhattan. Museum of Moving Image - 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.6888

Image by Bear

What’s a weekend without delicious brunch?! Two places on our must try list include Bear and El Ay Si, as both are unique and absolutely worth trying.  At Bear, you’ll indulge in some really inventive menu items such as scallops and eggs, a rabbit omelet, pancakes with honey and other homemade dishes, all made with love.  Enjoy a $14 prix-fixe, which comes with an entree, unlimited coffee (that rocks!) and your choice of a mimosa or bloody Mary.  Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, LIC. 917.396.4939

El Ay Si is another example of a fantastic brunch and it’s hard not to be enticed by wholesome items such as The Red Eye, peanut butter, banana and bacon between slices of French Toast; the wild boar shepherd’s pie; the X sandwich with scrambled eggs, maple Irish sausage, white cheddar and tater tots and much more.  The prices are quite affordable, ranging from about $10 – $16, including coffee and a morning cocktail.  El Ay Si47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

Happy Weekend!

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Sponsor Welcome: Bear Bar & Restaurant

January 24, 2012

Today we’re giving a warm We Heart Astoria welcome to our latest sponsor, Bear! This self professed ‘New European Cuisine’ restaurant is a breath of fresh air, serving up unique dishes that stand apart from the usual Mediterranean that Astoria often offers.  Personally, I can’t wait to gather a few friends for $5 Tuesdays, where [...]

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Finally Fridays- Cheese Lovers Paradise

January 20, 2012

I have been vegetarian, flexitarian, and a meatatarian but have never been able to be a vegan mostly simply because- I heart cheese! Today is National Cheese Lovers Day and I’m celebrating cheese style! While Astoria has yet to have a dedicated cheese store (great idea for anyone who’s interested…?), we are home to one [...]

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What To Do This Weekend, 1/19/2012

January 19, 2012

WTDTW- Fun new brunch, comedy in LIC and a unique wine tasting.

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Finally Fridays – Football Weekend

January 13, 2012

Football edition of Finally Fridays – Raven’s Head Public House, Mojave, Astoria Brewhouse, Studio Square Mad Donkey

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What To Do This Weekend, 1/12/12

January 12, 2012

Well, it looks like the chill of winter will arrive this weekend. Such cold temps call for warm comfort foods – Il Bambino is one of the best spots for soup (they often make a smoked tomato bisque on Saturdays), the red beans and rice at Sugar Freak are out of this world delicious, and [...]

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Astoria Love – “Best Local Blog of 2011″

January 9, 2012

We Heart Astoria wins Best Local Blog of 2011 from Why Leave Astoria’s Best of 2011 Poll

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Astoria Arrivals: Creators’ Co-op To Become BabyNOIR

January 7, 2012

This just in, Creators’ Co-op on 23rd Ave. is changing directions in 2012. From owner Kazuki Kozuru-Salifoska: After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to pursue my passion for supporting and creating baby and kids items and will shift the focus of the store to provide unique and beautiful merchandise especially tailored for little [...]

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Finally Fridays- Keeping My Resolution To Eat More Organically

January 6, 2012

It’s that time of year again; we’re all still trying to make sense of how this can be 2012 already! I’m certain I wrote the wrong year on my rent check this month and I’m in a wee bit of denial that it’s already January 6th. As I acclimate to this new year, I’ve been [...]

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