Astorian Weekend Edition - December 3, 2008
By Meg of Joey in Astoria

This weekend you can buy local! Stop by the Steinway Reformed Church Holiday Sale (21-65 41st St) this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A delicious lunch will be served and there will also be a raffle table. The Astoria Park Alliance, Seeds of Love, and local artisan Karen Overton (she makes beautiful jewelry from bicycle parts) will all have tables.

On Sunday, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) presents the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can shop for jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts, and unique pieces by local Astoria designers. Vintage and gently used items will also be available.

Both events are free...to browse!

This Friday marks the 75th anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition. Two suggestions: Go to Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave), where they finally got a liquor license! They serve a great selection of wine (organic and conventional) and beer. The food is awesome, of course.

Or, join the Wine meetup on Saturday, 2-5 p.m., at Winegasm (31-86 37th St) for their winter Drink & Learn Wine event. This is a laid back and easy Astoria approach to helping you understand wine with a great group of people. The class is taught by Winegasm's house sommelier, Dean. Please note that advance reservations are required for the Wine meetup, and you must be a member of the group to participate. The fee is $35 for sampling 7 whites and 7 reds. If you have any additional questions please call Winegasm at 718.932.3331.

Finally, head on over to Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Boulevard) on Saturday night for their BORN TO ROCK OUT!! evening. This is DJ Scandal & DJ Belladonna's Birthday Blowout. The event goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and there is no cover. Come hear some great spinning, dance a bit, and have one of their tasty sandwiches, not to mention some delicious mixed drinks. So, come chow down, drink up, and rock out!

• Previously on Joey in Astoria
• Neighborhood Profile - Astoria, Queens