Wednesday, September 18, 2019

“The 6 Koi” from Rhode Island to Forest Hills: Art Exhibition To Benefit New York Police & Fire Widow's & Children’s Benefit Fund

“The 6 Koi” exhibit, sale, & fundraiser is running from September 15 to November 1, 2019 at Jade Eatery & Lounge at 1 Station Square, which offers a popular gallery where artists gather. All are invited to an art show, sale, & fundraiser on September 21 from 5 PM to 10 PM. The exhibit is being organized by artist, humanitarian, and multiple gallery owner David Chatowsky, a Rhode Island resident who is returning to NY for another artistic and humanitarian opportunity.
Ten percent of all sales will benefit the New York Police and Fire Widow's and Children’s Benefit Fund, which provides financial assistance and support to the families of NYC police officers, firefighters, Port Authority police, and EMS personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. This initiative is in partnership with Chatowsky’s friend Lyle Carey, who is running in the NYC Marathon to raise 4k for the charitable cause.
 Local historian Michael Perlman said, “On a trip to Newport, RI last fall, I am proud to have met a very talented and unique artist and humanitarian, David Chatowsky, and bring him to Forest Hills, NY on two occasions for highly beneficial causes. The arts are universal and can serve as a platform for committing good deeds.”  All works of art are for sale and will be presented to the buyer by Jade Eatery & Lounge on the day of purchase.   
Patrons enter Jade Eatery & Lounge, which offers a rare koi pond, home to 6 beautiful koi fish. Chatowsky said, “These 6 Koi are the inspiration for my art show. I am very familiar with koi and aquatic plants, since I worked on an aquatic farm in Palm City, Florida in my early twenties, and helped raise koi. I also grew many water plants such as water lilies and lotuses.” 
Acrylic paintings that are on display include “The Jonah Koi,” “The Samurai Koi,” “Koi with Water Lilies,” and “Red and Green Koi with Lotus Flowers.” “I hope my paintings’ variation in sizes and the fact that some are in color and black and white will stimulate the creative process in patrons,” said Chatowsky. 
The exhibition bears the potential to positively impact Forest Hills and the world. Chatowsky explained, “Animals make our lives more interesting. Their colors enrich our landscapes. All animals are here for our enjoyment, and we are their stewards. Therefore, it is our responsibility to create areas within the urban environment for animals, so future generations can be graced by their presence.  It is very important to use the gifts we have been given to bring peace and harmony into this world.”   
Chatowsky feels a bit like Jonah after he exited the giant fish. He said, “Unlike Jonah, I am selling the giant koi fish, which took me back to NYC. My message is not that of repentance, but environmental stewardship.”  
The collaboration between a Rhode Island artist and Jade “signifies the willingness of people working together to create a better future,” according to Chatowsky, who opened his first D. Chatowsky Art Gallery in Portsmouth, RI in 2016, followed by a second in Newport last year. His third gallery recently opened on Block Island. His diverse accomplishments also include permanent mural installations at the Florida Museum of Natural History, owning art galleries in Florida and New York, and coordinating humanitarian art exhibits in Los Angeles and Boston.
For a sneak peek of David Chatowsky’s “The 6 Koi” paintings, visithttps://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/albums/72157710893585847
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Forest Hills' Best Chinese Food

I've tried every Chinese restaurant that has opened in Forest Hills over the years. Most of the time, I've been disappointed. It's not surprising, really. We live in an age where traditional Chinese food in the U.S.-- the kind familiar to say, anyone who grew up in the 70's or 80's -- has fallen out of favor. It's exceedingly rare to find a traditional Chinese restaurant in New York City these days, aside, of course from, say, Chinatown and Flushing.

Luckily, however, Forest Hills does have one superb Chinese restaurant. And it also happens to be physically one of the more interesting restaurants to visit in the neighborhood because of its location - tucked away behind a building that you can only get to via a narrow alley, which also serves as an outdoor seating area.  

I am talking about Memories of Shanghai. Now, MOS is not a traditional American Chinese restaurant per se. But, in terms of great Chinese food, it is unsurpassed by far in Forest Hills. And, most of its dishes will appeal to people looking for Chinese food that is not too far removed from standard Western Chinese food tastes.

Heavy on the dim sum type offerings, my favorite is their steamed chicken dumplings. Deliciously minced with onions, these are sweet and delightful. I also liked their Spring Rolls and Hot & Sour soup (though, as usual, it could be more soury). Their vegetable potstickers are great as well, as are their shrimp dumplings and pan fried pork bun.

The truth is, you can't really go wrong with anything you order from this kinda hidden Forest Hills culinary treasure.

Memories of Shanghai is located at 68-60 Austin Street in Forest Hills and is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (718)880-2938. And, yes, thankfully, they deliver to Forest Hills and Rego Park.