When one gazes upon a work of art, whether it be on a framed canvas inside a trendy Tribeca gallery or a wall-sized mural at your local park or playground, it should evoke some sort of emotion in the onlooker.
Asian Cuisine in Chelsea
Chelsea is one of NYC's trendiest and most interesting neighborhoods. There is so much to do and see including the fabulous Highline, which is something of an elevated park situated on what used to be train tracks and platforms.
Times Square has known the world over for its grand New Year's Eve celebration.
Nitu Art Studio - Where the magical mythology and traditions of India come to life.
Halloween has long been a favorite holiday for Astoria residents, both young and old alike. Just take a casual stroll around the neighborhood, particularly Ditmars, and you'll be treated to a visual feast of orange-colored lights, glow-in-the-dark ghosts, witches riding their brooms and Jack o' Lanterns decorating front yards, apartment windows and shops.
With that in mind, you probably won't be surprised to learn that there are a ton of Halloween parties and celebrations coming up throughout our community.
However, there are two very special events on the Halloween horizon that stand head and shoulders above the rest. And, lucky for all of you ghouls and goblins out there, these parties take place on separate nights. So, there's no reason at all why you can't attend both of them.
Why not double the spookiness and the fun?
First up is "The Kong TV Show Spooktacular" which takes place on Tuesday, October 25th with a witching hour of 7 PM.
The location is Astoria's iconic pub Cronin and Phelan which can be found at 38-14 Broadway, just off of one of the neighborhood's busiest shopping hubs, Steinway Street.
If you've never been to Cronin and Phelan then this is the perfect evening to try them out. The barkeeps here serve up a sensational selection of domestic and imported beer, spirits and cocktails.
Please, do yourself a huge favor and come hungry as Cronin and Phelan's kitchen turns out a delicious array of traditional Irish favorites and elevated pub fare.
The Spooktacular is hosted by local Astoria personalities, (and real-life husband and wife), POWELL LEONARD and ELLA SMITH.
Powell and Ella are the stars and creative force behind the popular online web series " The Kong Show on TV ', which you can watch on YouTube and Live One TV.
In addition to Ella and Powell's larger-than-life charisma and talent, "The Kong Show on TV " features an incredible line-up of local performers ranging from comedians and singers to magicians. Think of it as sketch comedy meets a contemporary take on vaudeville.
Now, this dynamic duo is bringing the very best of their TV show to the stage, live in an intimate setting at Cronin and Phelan where every seat is a good one.
Powell, Ella, Rachel Marcus and the rest of the Lionhearted Players will have you on the edge of your seat, convulsed with laughter.
Other performers include magician Bobby Torkova, who has appeared with Penn and Teller and the one and only Dave Cremin.
Not only will Dave entertain you with amazing sleight of hand and other magic tricks, he just may pour you a drink that evening. You see, Dave's main gig is working behind the bar at Cronin and Phelan, where he has been employed for many years.
The Kong Show's Spooktacular really will be a night of tricks and treats with a multitude of surprises in store. Get ready to enjoy and, here is the best news of all. There's NO cover charge.
Rock your Halloween finest at the Kong TV Show's Spooktacular!
Another stellar event that is worthy to mark on your calendar is "Get That Candy".
Remember those good times when we were kids and Halloween meant lots of trick-or-treating with friends and family? After making the rounds of the neighborhood, we would go back home, dump out mounds of candy from our official Halloween bag and then joyfully sort through all the booty.
Well, lo and behold; you can relive those memory-filled days again, this coming Halloween week when Phil Cappadora and the Astoria Filmmaker's Club cordially invite you to "Get That Candy ".
Good times start to roll at 7 PM, October 29th at the Jack Jones Bar, 38-01 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria.
A Halloween-themed Bar Crawl, (all parties check in at Jack Jones), "Get That Candy " looks to be such a hoot that even the owls who live in the haunted forest will want in on this event.
The Bar Crawl includes a trivia competition, a costume contest and a chance to win a 50-inch TV, valued at $500! Now, THAT's something to bring home in your trick-or-treat bag; if, it will fit.
The organizer for " Get That Candy " is Astoria's own Phil Cappadora. If you're a movie buff and/or a cat lover then you're probably already familiar with Phil from his myriad
of supporting roles on the silver screen as well as his advocacy on behalf of homeless cats. For more information on Phil's career, cat condos and other endeavors just click on the following link https://msha.ke/happycorner/.
You can even check out a recent feature that appeared on Aplez.com about Phil and his state-of-the-art feline shelters.
"Get That Candy" is a fundraiser for the Astoria Filmmaker's Club, which was founded by Phil and actively promotes local talent including actors, directors, cinematographers and writers. Hey; does this guy EVER sleep?
The money that is raised will go to cover expenses for Phil's latest project, an online series called "What's So Special?".
The show's mission is to introduce foodies, especially here in Astoria, to local mom-and-pop restaurants that are struggling and could use the exposure. It's a win-win. The viewer gets to discover new and exciting chefs and dishes while the restaurant receives some free publicity.
For further information and to join in on the Halloween fun just text CANDY to 646 681-2810!
And remember to start working on that costume NOW!
Hot and iced brews are designed to get you through life's daily grind.
