Author: jmilitello

Long Island City salon joins national registry of trans-affirming spaces

July 11, 2025 By Jessica Militello Ellee Salon, a recently opened hair salon on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, has been officially added to Strands for Trans, a national database of trans-affirming barbershops and salons that foster inclusive and welcoming environments. The salon, which opened its doors to the Western Queens community on May… Read more »

Queens Collaborative launches ‘art fridges’ across Astoria to make creativity accessible to all

July 9, 2025 By Jessica Militello Astorians can now tap into their creativity without breaking the bank, thanks to Queens Collaborative’s new Spare Arts Initiative, a mutual aid project designed to make art accessible to everyone. Launched at the end of last month, the initiative introduces community “art fridges” stocked with donated art supplies at… Read more »

Take flight: iFLY Indoor Skydiving officially opens in Long Island City July 19

July 8, 2025 By Jessica Militello Get ready to take flight with the official grand opening of iFLY Indoor Skydiving on Saturday, July 19. The event will feature an array of family-friendly activities to welcome Western Queens to the gravity-defying facility. The new space, located at 10-20 Borden Ave., in Long Island City, is the… Read more »

New eats and sips: LIC welcomes a wave of new restaurants

July 4, 2025 By Jessica Militello Long Island City continues to grow at a rapid pace, and nearly every week brings a new restaurant or business to the neighborhood. Frequently named one of the fastest-growing communities in the city, LIC has become a vibrant hub for families, food lovers, and trendsetters alike. From Chinese BBQ… Read more »

Step into 1980s Japan at 56709, LIC’s newest vintage vinyl bar

July 3, 2025 By Jessica Militello A new bar in Long Island City is transporting guests straight into the neon glow of 1980s Japan—one vinyl record and cocktail at a time. 56709, the latest concept from the team behind 929 LIC, quietly opened on June 12 in a reimagined speakeasy tucked behind Gulp, the Taiwanese… Read more »

Astoria Cook Club brings neighbors together through monthly potluck meetups

July 2, 2025 By Jessica Militello Something’s definitely cooking in Astoria, thanks to the monthly potluck meet-ups hosted by Sweet Tones founders Toni Critelli and Mike Mroz, known as the Astoria Cook Club. The potluck meetups, which have been taking place at Our House Astoria, located at 23-71 31st St. since the start of the… Read more »

New fusion spot Taco & Dumpling offers Mexican and Asian favorites in Sunnyside

June 24, 2025 By Jessica Militello If you’ve ever struggled to decide between tacos and dumplings, a new Sunnyside restaurant is here to make your life easier — and tastier. Taco & Dumpling, a fast-casual Mexican-Asian fusion eatery, opened in late April at 42-18 43rd Ave., offering a vibrant menu that blends the bold flavors… Read more »

The best places to catch the summer solstice sunset in Queens

June 19, 2025 By Jessica Militello The summer solstice is your golden-hour invitation to pause and soak it all in. Friday, June 20, marks the longest day of the year—and the perfect excuse to savor every last sunlit moment. As daylight stretches into evening, there’s no better way to celebrate than by catching a spectacular… Read more »