Monday, September 30, 2013

New Burger Place Coming to Austin

I won't interrupt my vacation for visits by Obama or Bloomberg, but for a new burger place, I'm there!

A reader told me a new burger place called Twist & Smash'd will be opening at 72-06 Austin St. (the space where a store called Diva used to be.)

I don't know anything about this place, but when a retail space in FoHi converts from a store dedicated to clothing for mid-sized women, to one that creates mid-sized women (and men), through 21st Century food like modern takes on burgers and fries, heck, I'm all for it!

And with that awesome news I now resume vacationing...

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Limited Blogging This Week

Vacation, etc. this week so will probably not be updating the blog much of this week, but will be publishing comments from readers...

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Continental Avenue Annual Fall Spruce-up


Join neighbors and friends as we spruce up the tree pits along Continental/71 Avenue in Forest Hills

Saturday, October 5th, 10:00-12:00. Rain/Shine
Volunteers will weed, dig, plant, and mulch around trees.
No experience necessary. Open to all ages.
Tools and work gloves will be provided.
Join us in this community environmental event.
Meet at HSBC Bank on 71 Av
Subway: E,F,M,R trains to Continental -71 Av
Bus: Q60, Q23 Queens Blvd
Bike parking available

Questions: Info@QueensBlvd.org

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

A Quick Message

Hi guys -

As I'm sure you've noticed, there have been some rather offensive comments posted to the blog in the past couple of days. The blog's also been plagued for some time now by one particular troll who is dead set on trying to disrupt the online community we've built here.

When I started this blog my goal was to provide a positive forum for residents of our neighborhood, and those nearby, to discuss our communities and find out about all the great new things that were happening, and, of course, have a lot of fun at the same time. I think we've accomplished that ten-fold! Last month, for the first time, the blog's readership surpassed 6,000 people and I'm sure there's many more who have yet to discover it so that should only continue to climb, making it an ever-growing exciting and rich experience for all of us.

Since I know from your correspondence that most of you have been looking for a positive online forum like this, the last thing we all want to have to do every day is log on to Edge of the City only to have to deal with the negativity of a nut job (yep, pretty much all of the harassing, negative comments you've seen here are coming from one disturbed individual). So, to eliminate that, I've decided to moderate comments to this blog. You can comment like you always do, and the process going forward will mean that there is just a short delay before you see your comment posted to the site.

So, comment away like you always do. Enjoy the blog! And I hope this new process will make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Just to emphasize, this doesn't mean comments that respectfully disagree with a post I write or a comment from someone else will not show up. Anything but that. As long as the comment is respectful of others, it will be posted.

Best,
Drake

New Learning Center for the Math Challenged Among Us

Count me as one of them. Anyway, Mathnasium opened in Forest Hills this week. If your kids are having trouble with the numbers, this might be worth checking out:

108-14 72nd Ave
Forest Hills, NY 11375

view map of this location
 (718) 544-MATH (6284)

At Mathnasium of Forest Hills, we specialize in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them.
  • Expert Math Tutors
    We only tutor math and specialize in grades K-12. Using the time-tested, proprietary Mathnasium Method™, we're committed to helping your child catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. 
  • Custom Learning Plans & Personalized Instruction
    Your child will receive personalized instruction and a customized learning plan based on their unique needs and goals. The results are measurable progress and confidence in math.
  • Enrichment
    For those children who already excel in math, our learning program is designed to challenge and propel them to higher levels of achievement. This assists them in achieving goals such as entrance to specialized programs and schools.
  • Homework Help
    Our math tutors provide homework help that addresses gaps in knowledge and teaches proper study skills. Homework will be seen as a welcome challenge and an opportunity for further learning.

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Banter Special

A delicious chicken burger, enjoyed over the weekend at Banter, one of my favorite new restaurants to open in Forest Hills. By now, pretty much everything I've had at this new place has been exceptional.


By the way, as a side note, did you know that Banter has some of the best-tasting ribs in Forest Hills? I ordered the half rack recently and literally had to make sure the waiter didn't give me a full rack by mistake! There was so much on the plate (below), I could barely finish. And the mashed potatoes? Amazing. And all for just $16, which you cannot beat here in our 'hood. I really can't recommend this place enough (and I shouldn't, because that means I'll probably have to wait for a table longer.)


Another Queens Blvd. Tragedy

How many more people have to lose their lives on this treacherous roadway that runs through our neighborhood before our public officials get off their fucking asses and do something about it? Fucking disgraceful and sickening.

Forest Hills hit and run leaves woman dead

Friday, September 20, 2013

Coming Soon: Tazzina Forest Hills


More big news to close out the week for us Forest Hillers:

Celebrity chef Jason Zukas, who won the Chopped competition back in 2009, has chosen Forest Hills for his next restaurant.  Here is the website for his other restaurant in Queens. I'm trying to find out the exact location of Tazzina Forest Hills.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Smallest Apartment in NYC

Ha! I guess it never occurred to them that for just the cost of a subway fare and about 20 minutes on the express train they could have a normal apartment. You know, the kind fit for a human?

Should we tell them?' The smallest apartment in New York — barely bigger than a prison cell for $1,275 a month

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Midway Theater Sold

They plan to keep it as a theater for now, but may develop it in the future, The Real Deal is reporting.
A group of local New York City real estate investors including BLDG Management’s Lloyd Goldman, Eric Roth of Brick Capital and Eastern Consolidated’s Brian Ezratty have purchased the famed Midway Theater retail building in Forest Hills for $20.5 million, Roth told The Real Deal.
Read the full story here: Lloyd Goldman-led partnership to buy historic Midway Theater

Most Missed Local Business

I was just thinking how I miss having Staples right here in central Forest Hills. What a pain not to have it within walking distance any more. The car-less, like myself, now have to rely on ordering everything from them online and waiting a day or two to get it, or venturing to some nearby store by subway and then lugging bales of paper, etc. home. What an inconvenience. Do you guys find you can buy most of what they offered at other local stores? And while on the subject, do you miss any other local businesses that have shut their doors?

Monday, September 16, 2013

Reader Contributions

A bunch of info from various readers:

  • An "All care animal clinic" to include grooming and boarding is opening on the corner of Queens Blvd. and 68th Drive.
  • The popular Bann Thai restaurant on Austin St. has closed (several readers have contacted me about this and I don't have any more information other than that it closed. No idea why.)
  • A new business, "A Little Personalized" is opening in the former Homefront space at 72-24 Austin Street. The business specializes in adding names and monograms to gift items for all ages.
  • Banter will be doing Thanksgiving and Christmas seatings.
  • And Forest Hills Station House is now serving brunch.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Philo4Thought Confidence-Building Workshop -- SEPT 21st!

A workshop, Philo4Thought, will be held at the Bamboo Moves space in Forest Hills.
All are welcome to attend. Registration is required. Student discounts apply by registering online:


Event Details



The first step to preparing for a positive and effective meeting, presentation or interview is to be confident in yourself and your ability! Confident and positive communication is key to making a lasting first impression.

Philo4Thought's Confidence-Building Workshop offers guidance on maximizing your verbal and nonverbal cues to project a positive and professional image. Attendees will engage in a series of exercises and a wrap-up discussion.

REGISTER: Seating is limited. Please reserve your spot in advance before Wednesday September 18th!

DISCOUNTS: A student-discounted rate is offered to those with valid student ID.

BONUS: The first 5 people to register will receive one free professional consultation.
Have questions about Philo4Thought Confidence-Building Workshop? Contact Philo4Thought

City Parks Foundation Announces Fall 2013 Season Of Cityparks Seniors Fitness

Free Tennis and Yoga Instruction in Queens

September 23rd – November 1st, 2013

City Parks Foundation welcomes all New Yorkers, 60 and over, to participate in CityParks Seniors Fitness. The Fall 2013 season of free fitness programs will begin the week of September 23rd and will offer free tennis lessons and yoga instruction in 4 parks throughout Queens.

This season, CityParks Seniors Fitness returns for six weeks to Astoria Park in Astoria, Cunningham Park in Oakland Gardens, Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, and Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica. All activities will take place twice a week at each park throughNovember 1, 2013. Participants are encouraged to maintain regular attendance to maximize health benefits.

CityParks Seniors Fitness has served over 5,000 participants since it began in 2006 and aims to keep neighborhood parks a great place for community activity.  The program encourages New Yorkers to maximize the health benefits of staying active at every age. Even in moderate amounts, exercise can help participants feel better, maintain or lose weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and minimize the symptoms of arthritis.

All equipment and instruction is provided free of charge. Sessions are one hour long, except tennis lessons in Astoria Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which are two hours.

The following is a detailed schedule for CityParks Seniors Fitness in Queens for Fall 2013:

NOTE: Schedule subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule visit: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/sports/seniors-fitness.

For more information about City Parks Foundation’s free Seniors Fitness programs, please call the Sports Department at (718) 760–6999.

QUEENS 
Astoria ParkTennis – Mondays/Wednesdays at 10 AM – 12 PM – Tennis Courts at 21st St. and 

Hoyt Ave. S

Cunningham Park
Tennis – Tuesdays/Thursdays at 9 AM – Tennis Courts at Union Turnpike and 193rd St.
Yoga – Tuesdays/Thursdays at 10 AM – Tennis Courts at Union Turnpike and 193rd St.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Tennis – Mondays/Wednesdays at 9 AM – 11AM – Tennis Courts at Meridian Rd.

Roy Wilkins Park
Tennis – Tuesdays/Thursdays at 10 AM – Tennis Courts at Baisley Blvd. and 177th St.
Yoga– Tuesdays/Thursdays at 9 AM – Tennis Courts at Baisley Blvd. and 177th St.

About City Parks Foundation
City Parks Foundation is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.

Follow City Parks Foundation via the below links
Facebook:            https://www.facebook.com/CityParksFoundation
Twitter:                @CPFNYC
Generous support provided by Zwicker Electric; New York City Council under the Leadership of Christine C. Quinn; NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras; NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin; and Council Member Annabel Palma. North Shore-LIJ Health System is a signature sponsor of all City Parks Foundation’s sports & fitness programs, which offer free expert instruction to over 15,000 New York youth and seniors at over 60 locations citywide.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Monday, September 9, 2013

The Queensway Visits the Forest Hills Greenmarket

I was happy to see QueensWay representatives with a stall at the market a few weeks ago, discussing with residents the proposal for the borough's very own elevated Park. (I am planning to do a post focusing more on the Queensway soon, with additional information, since there were some interesting developments just before the visit from Mumford overshadowed everything.)

It was great to see residents really seemed interested in the idea for this new elevated park, as you can see from the photos:




Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Spectacular Sunset

Sunset over Manhattan, taken from the US Open last night...

Stadium Grounds

I thought I'd post some pictures of the Tennis Stadium's grounds for those of you who didn't attend the concert. This is what they had going on outside of the stadium itself, such as food carts, etc. Those of you who have been following the news coverage know that the Stadium is now a work in progress. They plan many improvements, all of which they have not yet detailed.

Lining up for some food. This stand served things like fried chicken.

Was great to see Luke's Lobster's truck. Wish we had it here in FoHi all the time!

Their pizzas were extremely popular, and quite tasty if I do say so myself!




The view of the West Side Tennis Club Clubhouse from inside the Stadium.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

Wishing everyone a very happy and sweet New Year

Monday, September 2, 2013

Just Like Mother's Closes


Home Cooking in the Heart of Forest Hills
TO OUR CUSTOMERS:
We regretfully inform you, that due to not being able to reach an agreement with our landlord,
Just Like Mother’s Restaurant is CLOSED
Thank You for your patronage over the years.
Wishing you all the best,
Owners & Employees of Just Like Mother’s
I've been contacted by several readers this holiday weekend about the closing of Just Like Mother's restaurant on Queens Blvd., after the owners were unable to reach an agreement with their landlord on the rent. This modest little restaurant was a favorite of mine (it's on my Recommended Restaurants list) and apparently many others in Forest Hills. I don't think I ever had anything there I didn't like and the people there were always extremely nice.

To me, it was really a stand-in for the really good diner that we still don't have here in Forest Hills. Not only did they serve really good Polish/Eastern European style dishes, like delicious blintzes and pierogis, but they had a wide selection of sandwiches, soups and traditional entrees like meat loaf (really good), fish and chicken dishes. They also served up some really good breakfast options. And all of this at extremely reasonable prices.

In fact, I remember as Hurricane Sandy approached last year, we decided to take out a few meals from Just Like Mother's to see us through the storm.

I think JLM was open for more than 20 years before it closed a few days ago, apparently surprising many people in our neighborhood. They will certainly be missed.

As I tweeted a few days ago when I first heard about JLM closing, I think it may be a sign of all the changes taking place in the neighborhood. One reader emailed me this afternoon asking if I was going to post anything about JLM closing. The email's subject read simply "Rising Rents," and she pointed out that she thinks Haagen-Daaz on Austin St. is closing for the same reason as well. The neighborhood is definitely changing for the better and I'm not surprised that landlords are asking for higher rents on Austin and nearby it.

While the demise of local favorites like Just Like Mother's is indeed sad, I think overall the restaurant options in Forest Hills have dramatically improved in the past couple of years. I can't think of one new restaurant that has opened in the past year or so that I do not like. In fact, we even recently went to Bonfire Grill (which opened a few years ago already, an early newcomer in this recent wave) with several friends and everyone liked what they had. I was surprised to find that Bonfire seems to have upped their game quite a bit. The food was a lot better than I remembered it (I had honestly given up on them) the last time I was there like over a year ago.