Me gusta Astoria

I've finally realized that I like like my neighborhood.  Here are a few of the things that I like:

1) Astoria Park. Right under the Triboro and Hell Gate bridges, near the sight of the General Sloacum disaster.  Location of the Astoria swimming pool.   Lots of trees and squirrels.  Enough space so that, generally, people aren't annoying.

2) Little Egypt.  It is Ramadan right now and every night a few blocks of Steinway Street are packed with the local Muslim community coming together for the Iftar meal.  It is lively and celebratory.  I like it. Oh! And everyone is selling dates because Iftar traditionally begins with eating a date.  Sounds like a good way to break a fast to me.

3) All of the local butcher shops.  I saw a man walking down the street with an entire skinned lamb slung over his shoulder.  Now that is not something you see everyday.

4) The large abundance of authentic Greek restaurants.  Opa! Tony's Souvlaki is one of my favorites. The food is delicious, the service is good, and the hostess (who must also be owner or family) is great.  She comes around to each table and asks how we are doing, and every single time I've gone there I've gotten a plate of appetizers on the house.  She just loves to show off her Greek hospitality.

5) The fresh produce markets.  Okay.  So I don't shop at any of them.  I just like knowing that I can if I want to.

6) The N and W trains. No train is perfect, but the N and W are close.  They run regularly, they are usually clean and they don't break down too often.  They might not get me every place as quick or as close as I want them to, but riding the Broadway line definitely has it's advantages.

7) The fact that Astoria is located in Queens.  I like living in Queens.

8) The Tastee Corner diner.  Good chocolate chip pancakes. Good waffle fries. Good coffee. Great prices.

9) The history. Astoria was named for John Jacob Astor -- who never once set foot in Astoria.  It was originally known as Hallet's Cove, named for a family who owned some land in the area.  From swamp and rocky shores to the concrete and pavement it is now, the history of Astoria, with General Sloacum, Steinway & Sons, and everything else, is worth getting to know.  You can find more history on the area, events and opportunities to volunteer at http://www.astorialic.org/

10) And of course, I can't forget the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.  Who doesn't like a beer garden?  And in this case, it is the oldest continuously operated beer garden in the state.  Maybe I'll see you there.