Video episode #219: The Queens Kickshaw - Don't forget the grilled cheese.

Mark, Jimmy, and Squigs are back in ASTORIA (Why leave Astoria, anyway?) at the Queens Kickshaw! In a very short period, this haven of craft liquids and solids has made an indelible imprint on this evolving neighborhood. Cold Brewed coffee, craft beers, Kombucha Ale, gruyere grilled cheeses... sounds like heaven to us. What is a Kickshaw, anyway? Join us and find out. Cheers!

Fatty's... It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Hey, what's up G's!?  Stat Guy here... now I know that the Historian Guy kinda has the monopoly on places in Astoria around here, but I've also been kicking around there a bit these days.  So I wanted to share this place, Fatty's Cafe, with Happy Hour Nation, (just in case you didn't already know :)  

Up on Ditmars and Crescent, the last stop on the N, Q train if you're coming from Manhattan, the place is just a wonderful, laid back, neighborhood joint.  Perfect for locals to amble toward for really tasty food, dynamite Mojitos or Margaritas, play chess at the bar, or even just to browse some world-class artwork (as they treat their wall space as a kind of revolving gallery for local artists.)  Or as in my case today, it's also a sweet place to just drop in to see some friends and drink a few Dead Guy Ales (From the good people up at Rogue in Oregon!  Mmmm.)  Really tho, the place is cool.  They should call it PHATTy's!  They even have outside seating in the back garden for beautiful days like today... I've always had a blast here, so check it out if you're ever in the hood.  Now, it's off to Astoria Park for some FriZz-Bee!  Yea, life is Good!  Happy Holiday Weekend, folks.  Live it up!  Stat Guy OUT!  

 

Video episode #174: Sunswick 35/35!

In 2005, in a rather desolate block of Astoria, the doors opened to a friendly, homey beer bar that nailed down a corner of the neighborhood, and some say, paved the way for a renaissance in this part of NYC that now includes 5 Napkin Burger and a cluster of new fancy bars and restaurants. But these guys were there first.

DiWine in Astoria

Astoria, in the borough of Queens in NYC, is my 'hood and I've posted about it often. Last night, I set out to try a new place and discovered DiWine. I expected another in the growing list of wine cafes that have popped up in the area lately. That's what I found...and more. It features a charming antique exposed brick feel. The wine list was ample yet accessible. A few craft beers on tap are included to keep all palates engaged. The food was excellent. Brick oven pizzas were crisp, hearty, and filled with farm fresh toppings. I tried a surprisingly light gorgonzola fondue. Excellent.
The biggest pleasant surprise I found was their selection of house infused liquors. I opted for the Peanut Butter Cup martini ( well, my wife did really), made with homemade peanut infused vodka. The cocktail menu will have me coming back, and is a welcome find in a neighborhood filling up with intriguing craft beverage options. Go forth and explore!

(30th) Avenue (Mexi)Q

Hey folks! Artsy guy here reporting from a mere eight blocks from home... MexiQ on 30th Ave. in Astoria, Queens. This place has a sort of Tex-Mex fusion-ish vibe happenin' with the menu, and the results are mighty tasty.

But this craft beer fan rejoices most over some of the kegs they're getting. This trip found me with a coveted glass of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Also on the menu: Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, and much more. Their happy hour features their Mexican beers (Dos Equis and Modelo) if that's your bag.

This is a fantastic local hang. I do wish they updated their beer menu more often. (After three visits in the last month, I've observed that the number of depleted beers still on their menu is much higher than other bars with the same type of rotating selection... and better systems.) Still, it's a great destination for those with a hankerin' for tasty craft brews. And that's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers, y'all!