Astoria
Jan 17, 2014

Finally Fridays – Meg’s Five Senses of Astoria

The other day I was thinking about the different ways I interact with Astoria, and I thought it would be interesting to see how that is represented in the five (…)

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The Hell Gate Bridge in all its glory.

The other day I was thinking about the different ways I interact with Astoria, and I thought it would be interesting to see how that is represented in the five senses. Here are my sense experiences, especially as a resident of the northerly reaches of Astoria.

Sight. I remember when I first visited Astoria, the thing that made the biggest impact on me, visually, was the initial sight of the Hell Gate Bridge. I was in a car driving down 23rd Ave to 19th Street, we turned the corner to the right and there it was! I thought it was simply gorgeous and it took my breath away.

Hearing. I love the fact that so many languages are represented here in Astoria, but often I’ll hear Greek or Spanish spoken when I walk out the door at the start of the day. Living around different languages I think is a bonus about being in NYC, and a cherished element of residing in Astoria.

Taste. As you can imagine, this is a challenge, since Astoria is full of so much deliciousness. But it’s Greek food that I feel is still very “Astoria.” I’m a fan of the grilled octopus at Tavena Kyclades, the spicy feta dip at Gregory’s, and the pork gyro at BZ Grill, in particular.

Smell. They say smell is the sense that will evoke the strongest memories. For me, it is the smell summer—that humid, steamy smell that accompanied my earliest days in Astoria. The day I moved here it rained classic short burst thunderstorms. Other than that, the smell of meat on a stick—souvlaki sticks—grilling outside in the summer is another classic Astoria aroma.

Touch. So what feels like Astoria? The lifting of a full pitcher of beer at the Beer Garden, and the feel of summer grass on Astoria Park’s great lawn during the annual fireworks display come to mind initially.

So what are your fives senses of Astoria? Leave us a comment here or on Facebook!

About Meg Cotner

Meg Cotner was trained as a harpsichordist and now works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of "Food Lovers' Guide to Queens," and is a skilled and avid home cook, baker, and preserver.

2 Comments

Mary

Smell: there is a dought-y smell around 34th ave every morning. If the sun is rising just right, the city looks pink and Astoria smells like donuts!

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