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Charlotte Conley and Astoria Cat Rescue - Turning tough starts into happy endings.

The welcoming environs of Astoria, Queens have long been known as a haven for foodies as well as a diverse,  relatively quiet and safe, family-friendly place in which to live.

But, what you might not realize is that thousands upon thousands of animal lovers enjoy the Astoria lifestyle, too. Just by casually strolling down any street you will encounter pet moms and dads walking their dog or holding their cat in a carrier on the way to the Vet or to shop for their kitty at Tom's Pet Supplies or The Regal Beagle. And, let's not overlook the fact that people-watching is not confined solely to humankind.  Astoria's cats just LOVE watching us humans do our thing, as we walk by, from the comfort of their parent's apartment windows!

No Goodbyes Program - Ti Wen, A virtuoso who makes the violin sing.

Let's be real. No matter what kind of music you're into, who hasn't felt a tug to one's heartstrings when you hear the haunting, soothing and melodic sound of a violin being played? It's an emotional trigger if there ever was one! And, the violin is infinitely more versatile than you might think. Yes, we commonly associate the violin with the Gods of classical music such as Beethoven, Bach and Paganini. But, did you realize that this delicate yet powerful instrument has also played a part in the music of contemporary artists like The Dave Matthews Band and Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra? If you've been thinking about learning the violin but weren't sure how to get started, the welcoming NO GOODBYES PROGRAM just might have the answers that you've been seeking. The No Goodbyes Program's team of diverse and talented instructors includes a veritable mistress of the violin, Ms. TI WEN.

Marcela Vasquez - Touching your heart and soul with her amazing art.

The artist's brand MARCELA PAINTING is making waves on the city's dynamic art scene. With an understated yet charismatic personality, Marcela was only too happy to share her thoughts about her passion in life: art.

Proactive House - Where simplicity is the key to your personal transformation.

There's absolutely no place like the Big Apple. No matter which neighborhood you live in, it's easy to feel the adrenalin flow as soon as you step out of your door. We've got it all here, from a diverse array of tantalizing restaurants and world-class dramas and musicals on the renowned Great White Way, and Broadway to spectacular sports events and concerts at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall. Not to mention iconic landmarks like The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, the Intrepid Museum and the Museum of Natural History. And, of course, we can't leave out the refreshing green spaces that the city is known for, namely Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Queens' Astoria Park and the world-famous Central Park.

No Goodbyes Program - Revolutionizing the way that music is taught, one class at a time.

If you are someone who yearns to excel at an instrument such as the guitar, piano, drums, or violin but hasn't been really happy with the teaching pros you've met with, so far, help is on the way in the form of the ground-breaking NO GOODBYES PROGRAM. The team at No Goodbyes Program dares to be unconventional in their approach to teaching students and they are justifiably proud of it. In addition to providing first-rate musical instruction for over a dozen instruments, the teachers at No Goodbyes program focus on music education as a catalyst for change, an impetus for personal transformation. After taking classes with the professional, award-winning staff at No Goodbyes Program you will see the positive results, in every facet of your life, not just musically speaking.

Cool Spots for Ice Cream in Astoria, Queens

On a typically torrid, sizzling and humid Summer day in New York City, a cold, refreshing cup of ice cream is one of the best and most fun ways to beat the heat. Ah! When that first sinfully rich, creamy, seductively delicious spoonful hits your mouth the pleasure factor is off the charts. There's absolutely nothing like it! Whether your scoop of ice cream comes in a cup, a dazzling sundae with endless toppings, inside of a thick milkshake, or atop a cone, THIS is what me-time is all about. Come on and indulge.

You KNOW that you deserve this. And, if you are lucky enough to call the charming neighborhood of Astoria, Queens home sweet home, then you're in luck. No matter where you work or hang your hat, you'll find a delightful and welcoming ice cream shop within walking distance. So, let's look at some newcomers to the ice cream scene and a few tried and true spots that never go out of style.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - Astoria, Queens

Located on bustling Ditmars Blvd. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has, after only a few months, already achieved a reputation as THE place to be when the temperatures soar. The brand started on the streets of the Big Apple in 2008 when the founders, brothers Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen and friend Laura O'Neill began scooping ice cream out of a cute yellow truck in Brooklyn. Over the years, the company has grown exponentially with scoop shops having been opened all over NYC as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas, California, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Although all three partners have input and love taste-testing the product; Ben is the one who is primarily responsible for coming up with new and enticing flavors at their kitchen / Laboratory in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Here's a Fun fact for you: A few years ago Ben was a contestant on Howie Mandel's hit series Deal or No Deal. And he had a blast doing it.

The ice cream wizards at Van Leeuwen believe that great ice cream starts with great ingredients. The team carefully sources the milk, cream, eggs and cane sugar that goes into their product. Not to mention the coconuts, cashews and oats that make Van Leeuwen's VEGAN ice cream indescribably delectable. The style here is French ice cream. This recipe is uber delicious as it calls for using twice as many egg yolks as you will find in most other brands' standard ice cream products.

Now, we can't list all of their flavors or we'd be here all day. But, we'll name a few and that will give you an idea of how diverse Van Leeuwen's lineup of ice creams is. The peanut butter brownie honeycomb is made with a touch of real honey while their black cherry chocolate chip ice cream is filled to overflowing with slices and bits of real luscious cherries. You may also choose from chocolate caramel cheesecake, hazelnut fudge cookie and Sicilian pistachio flavors. The Ditmars shop, as do most of the other locations, also carries some very tasty ice cream sandwiches; the kind that you remember enjoying as a kid, but just a bit elevated. Getting back to the vegan side of things; some of the brand's flavors include strawberry shortcake, cookies and cream caramel swirl and churros and fudge.

Outdoor Dining in Long Island City

There's still a lot of Summer left to enjoy in addition to the somewhat cooler but quite comfortable early Fall weather. Al fresco dining in NYC has never been more popular. Everyone knows what the "hot" spots are in Manhattan for outdoor dining. But, Long Island City, Queens can definitely hold its own when it comes to enjoying a soothing and relaxing dinner amidst the fresh air, flowers and trees. Not to mention spectacular views of the East River and the majestic Manhattan skyline.

47/47 LIC - Long Island City

A very recent and inviting addition to the Long Island City foodie scene, 47/47 occupies the space that formerly housed the beloved Bellwether. Lament not, though. As popular as Bellwether was, 47/47 is a worthy successor. Honestly, you really wouldn't recognize the place. The new owners have made significant aesthetic changes to the decor and it is definitely for the better. You couldn't ask for a more romantic atmosphere, both inside the place and outdoors. The outdoor cafe-style dining area is cute and spacious. There is ample seating out here so, keep that in mind when reserving a table. Both you and your date will revel in the coziness once darkness falls and tiny light bulbs illuminate the scene.

The owners, who hail from the neighborhood, want to bring the community together over a good meal and a glass of wine or beer. As far as they are concerned, food connects people and breaks down barriers. It also helps when you have a staff that is genuinely caring and super professional. The menu is diverse, and this is not hyperbole, something for everyone, whether they are carnivores, vegetarians, or very fussy eaters. Signature starters include a divine plate of burrata accompanied by poached pears in a red wine reduction and a hearty slice of roasted cauliflower with raisins in a superb romesco sauce. Another can't-miss appetizer is the braised oxtails with crispy onions and fried polenta.

Perhaps 47/47's most popular dish, as far as entrees go, is the succulent beef short ribs in a brown butter sauce, sided up with a silky smooth parsnip puree and sauteed mushrooms. The combination of earthy flavors is off the charts. The chef also turns out an expertly prepared roasted cornish hen with sweet potatoes and a spoon up every last drop of white wine and caper sauce. Another menu highlight is the branzino topped with olive gremolata accompanied by a fresh and crisp market salad. The uniqueness and deliciousness of the menu continue with the tempting desserts on offer. But, be forewarned; it's going to be difficult to decide between the creamy affogato, the addicting limoncello and raspberry cake, or the totally outrageous ricotta and pistachio cake.

Nothing hits the spot on a breezy Summer day ( or night ) like a great cocktail. The barkeeps here at 47/47 have several elixirs that will tempt you. We are talking about the 47 Basil Smash, made with Malfi gin, lemon juice, basil and agave. Looking to spice up your night? Then try their Spicy Old Fashioned, composed of a nice shot of bourbon, Grand Marnier, habanero and Angostura. The kitchen at 47/47 also turns out a really nice brunch on the weekend. And, the restaurant is just a short stroll to Gantry State Park, twelve beautiful acres, set against the East River waterfront. It's a wonderful spot in which to walk off your delectable brunch meal and reconnect with your significant other.

Palermo Restaurant - Astoria, NY

Innovative Italian Cuisine that takes pizza and pasta to the next level.

Happy Hour on the Lower East Side - NYC

De-stress from your workday with some tantalizing libations in a fun and festive environment in one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.

Verlaine - Lower East Side

A neighborhood stalwart since 2001, Verlaine Bar and Lounge celebrates the art of the cocktail as well as the spirit of community. This is a place where new friendships are formed every evening while local long-time friends and neighbors gather to reconnect and make the most out of life. Please believe us when we tell you that the word "celebrate" has an extraordinary meaning at Verlaine. The establishment is named after Paul Verlaine, the renowned and edgy nineteenth-century French poet who made a career out of embracing the unconventional. The space is a true sight to behold with soaring seventeen-foot ceilings and a decor theme that blends Asian influences with a minimalist sensibility. The lighting is at once theatrical yet subdued.

Verlaine also happens to be the home to one of the most famous cocktails in the city, the Hanoi Lychee Martini. According to the bar's website, over 1.5 million Hanoi Lychee Martinis have been sold since opening day in October of 2001. This powerful and tasty elixir definitely has that sought-after X-factor going for it. The ingredients of vodka, lychee and a splash of pineapple juice may be simple, but don't let that fool you. You'll want a second glass, that's for sure.

Happy Hour takes place on Tuesday through Sunday from five until ten pm. Eight-dollar Lychee Martinis are available as are Red and Rose' Sangrias, also coming in at a mere eight bucks. The Rose' Sangria consists of Rose' wine, brandy lychee, cranberry juice and club soda. The Southeast Red Sangria is made with a generous pour of red wine, lychee, organic cane sugar, brandy and orange juice. Specially priced Quick Bites include ten dollar Chicken Dumplings, $9 veggie Dumplings and Teriyaki-seasoned Edamame for just nine dollars.

Artist In The Spotlight - Kaitlyn Sather, Founder of Kaitlyn's Good. And when she's good she is UNSTOPPABLE!

 If you are any kind of a dedicated foodie, then you're probably already familiar with the wealth of gastropubs and restaurants that Astoria, Queens has to offer. Whatever cuisine you're looking for, no matter from what far-flung corner of the globe it originated, you will find it in this chill, family-oriented neighborhood. No doubt, some of the city's most innovative and trail-blazing young chefs and mixologists live and work right here in Astoria. And, speaking of creativity and setting trends, were you aware of the fact that Astoria has also become quite the creative hub for a growing and vibrant community of dancers, actors and artists? You never know just who you will run into while strolling along Steinway Street, 30th Avenue, Broadway, or Ditmars Blvd. But, rest assured, that the new friend who you make in the neighborhood will be very interesting and well worth getting to know.  It appears as though the creative muse is everywhere one goes.

Dani Abreu - An artist who is not afraid to break boundaries.

Over the past year or so, it has been Aplez.com's pleasure to introduce you to a diverse and intriguing array of talented artists and craft-makers. Their paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramic pottery and tableware have enhanced both your individual style as well as the ambiance of your home. It's hard to believe that the Borough of Queens is home to so many creative entrepreneurs. There just seems to be something about the various neighborhoods in Queens that encourages such creativity.

Soho's spring vibes

Romantic Indoor and Outdoor dining options in the heart of Soho's trendy Shopping District.

Springtime is all about new beginnings so it's the perfect time to try out some new restaurants and explore different cuisines. Who knows, you just might find your new go-to spot. After a long Winter, there's no better reason to get out of the apartment and discover what your city has to offer. The diverse neighborhood of Soho, with tons of art galleries and shopping options, also has a foodie and restaurant scene that is second to none.

Antique Garage - Soho

This charming, romantic restaurant is so very true to its name. Converted from an old, fairly decrepit auto-body repair shop into a fine dining establishment, back in 2003, the space's ambiance is enhanced by a collection of eye-catching antiques, most of which come from the personal collection of chef and owner Utku Cinel. As you might imagine, Chef Cinel's two passions in life are cooking and searching for antique furniture, accessories, mementos; really anything and everything that makes a unique statement. After all, the chef's menu embraces the diversity of the entire Mediterranean region, so why shouldn't the decor reflect that eclectic vibe?

Trained at the French Culinary Institute, Chef Cinel's delicious menu incorporates a healthy respect for traditional cooking methods along with a zesty flair for innovation. One thing is for sure: you won't be bored eating here at Antique Garage. Starters include the magnificently refreshing Santorini Salad. Earthy and tasty chunks of feta cheese crown a mound of organic chopped lettuce, scallion onions and fresh dill. You'll definitely want to sop up the remains of the lemon and olive oil dressing with a morsel of fresh-baked bread. The Zucchini Spring Roll appetizer gives you perfectly grilled zucchini that is stuffed with goat cheese and bell peppers. The chef and his team also do a wonderful Seafood Ceviche. The octopus, squid, shrimp and scallops are dressed with jalapenos and lime juice. But, there's no overkill going on. Chef Cinel's hand is light and deft to the touch.

Great Pasta Restaurants in Lower Manhattan - NYC

Who Doesn't Like Pasta? - Where to find innovative and mouth-watering pasta dishes in Lower Manhattan. The area that encompasses Lower Manhattan is diverse, to say the least. The neighborhoods of Soho, Chelsea, FiDi, Nolita, Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side offer discerning foodies a plethora of captivating and delicious choices. With a truly international rainbow of cuisines available to you, the only real problem is deciding which restaurant to visit ( or order from ) first .One of the oldest and most popular cuisines that you will find here is Italian. The first wave of immigrants from places like Naples and Sicily settled in Lower Manhattan way, way back in the 1890s. They brought with them food such as pizza and pasta. These dishes might have seemed a bit strange to the Irish, German, and Polish immigrants who had arrived on our shores a generation or two earlier, not to mention the descendants of the British colonists. What are these squiggly, long noodles with tomatoes on them, anyway? Well, as it turned out, the naysayers soon became converts, once they tasted just how good a plate of spaghetti and meatballs could be.

Within a couple of decades, give or take, the pizzerias and small cafes on Mulberry Street became a beacon for hungry New Yorkers, bored with the hearty but plain American fare that they were used to eating. Nowadays, you can find excellent pasta all over this great city of ours. But, Lower Manhattan still lays claim to some of the tastiest and most authentic pasta dishes you'll find anywhere. So, without any further hesitation, let's take a quick tour and discover pasta-centric restaurants that you should know about.

The Spaghetti Incident - Lower East Side

Tomato sauce, basil, great pasta and rock n' roll! What more could you want? Well, you'll find all that and a whole lot more within the exposed brick walls of The Spaghetti Incident. The warm hospitality, amazing food, and intimate lighting transport you to a trattoria on the rustic streets of a village in the Italian countryside. Brought to you by chef and owner Giovanni Gentile, this small thirty-five-seat pasta cafe is big on flavor. And where does rock and roll come in, you may well ask? The place is named after 80's rock legends Guns and Roses' iconic album The Spaghetti Incident.

In addition to fabulous pasta dishes, the chef's specialty is various types of Arancini, which are Italian rice balls. The ultimate street food in locales such as Palermo and Naples, Arancini makes for a perfect appetizer. They are surprisingly light on the tummy and several tempting varieties are available including beef ragu and fontina cheese, pesto and gorgonzola as well as artichoke and Parmigiano. All come with a marinara dipping sauce. Come on, you can't say NO to this!

Our House Queens - A Place to Gather, Create and Connect

There is nothing like living the New York City life!  People come here from all over America,  not to mention the entire world, to realize their dreams. We've got it all here. 

The Magical World of Artist Sheila Ross

From colorful paintings and sculptures to cat and cloud-adorned teapots and pottery.

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The Visionary : Jenson Smith

Who among us hasn't, at one time or another, wondered "Just what does the future hold for me?"

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Great Irish Pubs in Times Square

Discover Great Irish Hospitality in the Times Square Neighborhood - Pubs that you simply HAVE to check out!

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Burger Mania in the Lower East Side - NYC

No matter how hard you may try; you simply cannot resist a piping hot, juicy hamburger.

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Cars X Coffee and its founder Shawn Nieves

Giving your ride a brand-new look.

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Sweets and Things NY

Treat your sweet tooth to something a little bit different!

If you're a fan of pop-ups and craft markets then you are most likely familiar with the beyond-delicious dessert jars that are the signature creation of baker extraordinaire Yesenia Rodriguez.