29Jun

A Greek Taste of Astoria at Amylos Taverna

amylos

NYC continues to excite my culinary senses. Last week I ventured out to Astoria for a Greek meal at Amylos Taverna. Other than a passion for Greek food and knowledge that the best Greek in NYC is found in this particular part of Queens, I knew very little and had low expectations. And, yes, the experience threw me quite a bit, in a good way. Owned and operated by the Arvanitis family (known for their involvement in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - the patriarch, John Arvanitis, also owns Omonia Cafe, which he opened in 1974. As a result, the Read More

05Jun

An Italian Family Feast at NYC’s Senso Unico

sensaunico

A few weeks ago, my family made the trip to Sunnyside, Queens for a night out on the town. Sunnyside isn’t an entirely new experience for us as we are huge fans of a Thai restaurant located here called Sri Pra Pra. Still, seeing that we live in Westchester, exploring the boroughs is always fun and a real treat. We love to eat and experience new places, particularly family-friendly ones, so when an invite came to experience Senso Unico, an Italian Osteria, I jumped. Owned by chef/Owner Vincenzo Garofalo and wife Laura, natives of Avellino, Italy, Senso Read More

13Sep

World Maker Faire New York 2017 Will Showcase Innovation (+ Win 4 Tickets!)

MF17NY_Badge

My tech-loving son loves Maker Faire! He went last year, and if you don't know what it is, and you are looking for a great day out with the kids, read on. And enter to win four (4) tickets at the end of this post! World Maker Faire New York brings over 750 makers together to share their DIY projects with making enthusiasts. This year it's taking place at the New York Hall of Science in Queens on September 23 and 24. From hobbies and unique inventions to prototypes and new products coming to market, attendees have the opportunity to get up close and Read More

22Jun

Restaurant Review: Kurry Qulture in Astoria, Queens, a Kid-Friendly Culinary Adventure

kurryqulture

When I think of eating out in Astoria, I think mainly of Greek food. My family loves taking trips to Telly Taverna for huge portions of spicy feta, salmon steak and moussaka. It's one of our favorite places in the city for food, and certainly one of the most accessible. It's easy to park and makes for a great evening out, strolling the streets and avenues, with every ethnicity represented by its restaurants and shops. So, when I was invited to dine at a fairly new to the scene (since 2015) Indian restaurant called Kurry Qulture, I jumped at the Read More

29Nov

My Visit to the Rockaways: No One Should Have to Live Like This

Today on my way home from spending the morning volunteering at St. Carmillus Church & School in the Far Rockaways, my head spun with torment. Torment for all the people living in poverty.  Torment for all the people living in fear.  Torment for the people desperate for a chance in life. Torment for the young children I saw come into the church for clothes to cover their small bodies.  Torment for the mothers and fathers trying to provide for their children. Torment for all the people still living without heat. These people feel abandoned.  I saw no Read More

14Jul

NYC with Kids: Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at MOMI

Jim Henson

Jim Henson, the internationally known creative figure whose work encompassed film, television, and puppetry, made elaborate imaginary worlds filled with unique characters, objects, and environments. A major exhibition devoted to his work, Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, will open at Museum of the Moving Image on Saturday, July 16, 2011 and continue through Monday, January 16, 2012. For itsNew York run, the Smithsonian traveling exhibition will be enhanced by an array of programs, talks, and performances, including special screenings, personal appearances Read More

27Jun

Join PBS Kids Club Thirteen at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens

On, Sunday, July 11th, 11:00-2:00pm, Kids Club Thirteen Members are in for a special afternoon of music and art at the Noguchi Museum. Featured activities in the Member-Zone include a hands-on musical project, Bendaroos art sculpture, and an instrument-themed episode from the PBS Kids show, Design Squad. Stick around in the afternoon for a performance in the garden by Talujon Percussion Quartet. Admission to the museum is free for Kids Club Members only, as is participation in the activities. Not a member? Join before you go – click here. Kids Read More

19Jun

Noguchi Museum Summer Teen Program

The Noguchi' Museum's Making Your Mark (MYM) is a studio art program for teenagers.  In this free program participants look at, and interpret art from a personal standpoint; experiment with art materials and methods; and create their own artwork.  This year, students will work primarily with paint and 3D media, experimenting with foundation concepts like color, texture, tone, form, and material application.  MYM participants will also prepare their work for portfolio presentation and for a final exhibition at the Museum. MYM meets on Tuesday, Read More

29Mar

Kid Culture: The Museum of Moving Images

I'm a movie bufff. I've always been. My mother was the type of mom who dragged us to a Gene Kelly double feature with "Singin in the Rain" and "On the Town." A film minor in college, I've always been obsessed with film, old and new. I want some of this obsession to rub off on my kids.  After having visited the museum two years ago, I already knew what to expect but had never been with kids in mind.So today, on day #1 of spring break, we ventured to the Museum of Moving Images (35th Avenue at 36th Street) in Astoria. I've been a big fan of Read More

18Feb

KidCulture: New York Hall of Science

It's February break in New York and bitterly cold.  I always try to fill our vacation weeks with interesting activities so we use our time wisely.  Of course, I combine the time with lots of down time, as well, at home watching movies and playing with toys that have long been forgotten. So, on Monday, feeling ambitious and not yet burnt out from having them home all week (which I am now!), I decided to take the kids on a field trip to the Hall of Science in Flushing, Queens.  It's a short drive from Westchester, only about a half an hour. Read More