Alperson, Myra. “Astoria.” Nosh New York: The Food Lover’s Guide to New York City’s Most Delicious Neighborhoods. New York: St. Martin’s, 2003. N. pag. Print.
This book categorizes and goes into detail about the restaurants found in different New York Neighborhoods including Astoria. It presents a general history of Astoria and an overview of the transportation system. The Astoria chapter is divided into six sections representing different geographical locations. The book proceeds to describe restaurants with anecdotal accounts and Myra’s critical perspective. Eateries are categorized street by street and each particular address is noted. The author makes note of the ethnic nature of each eatery, ethnic foods, and the atmosphere of various locations.
“Astoria History.” Astoria. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2014. <Astoria.org/astoria-history>.
The web page goes over Astoria’s history, from when in 1614 Adriaen Block became the first European man to see it, to the present. Astoria today has approximately 225,000 people. It was developed by Stephen Halsey in 1839, and grew during the 1840s and 1850s as people began to settle. Steinway and Sons bought land to set up a factory, and many other types of infrastructure and services to attract workers. After WWII Astoria was largely Italian. Greek residents quickly increased in number after 1965. By the mid 1990s they accounted for slightly less than half its population. Today Astoria’s ethnic groups include Colombians, Chinese, Guyanese, and Koreans and more.
Bigar, Sylvie. “The Pastries and Aromas of Greece.” The New York Times 8 May 2011, Late Edition (East Coast) ed., MB sec.: MB.3. The New York Times. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.
This article reviews the Atropolis Bakery, a Greek bakery on 31st street and 23rd avenue opened in 2003. One of the owners, Regina Katopodis, once led the American Women’s Organization of Greece. Angelos Katopodis, her husband and co-owner, spends most of his time in Greece as the vice mayor of Ithaca. The bakery offers authentic and traditional Greek food, such as pistachio shortbreads, kritsinia cooks studded with sunflower seeds, sesame cookiess ladokoulouros, and cinnamon biscuits, along with puffy spinach-and-cheese pies, twisted golden fritters, and multiple types of baklava, just to name a few of the foods. The name “Atropolis” means city of the breads. The bakery has a wide customer-base, for in the store one can find anyone from bohemians, families with their strollers, and old men in black suits.
Falkowitz, Max. “Serious Eats Neighborhood Guides: Adam and Max’s Astoria.” Serious Eats. N.p., 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.
This blog post shows the diversity of the different foods offered in Astoria today. Many different types of people have lived in Astoria and influenced the cuisine of the neighborhood, and today there is a rich blend of different ethnic restaurants lining the streets. This blog post highlights a few different restaurants, such as Telly’s Taverna, a greek restaurant, Leng, a thai restaurant, and Queens Kichshaw, which specializes Mac and Cheese and soups, among others. These restaurants both cater to specific ethnic groups as well as the general public, as many people travel to culturally diverse neighborhoods such as Astoria to experience new foods. The success of these restaurants illustrates the cultural diversity of the neighborhood and gives us a glimpse into the food habits of those that live there.
Jackson, Nancy Beth. “If You’re Thinking of Living In/Astoria; Accessible, Affordable and Highly Diverse.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Oct. 2003. Web. 6 May 2014.
The article aims to inform people what living in Astoria would be like. It goes over the various ethnic groups, from South Asians to Latin Americans, to Arabs, to Greeks, and many more. It explains that Astoria has easy access to Manhattan, which is a draw, as well as very good food, and is relatively safe. It as a family oriented neighborhood. Neighborhood public schools score higher than city averages on standardized tests. Astoria also has Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Islamic schools. It is also home to the Frank Sinatra High School of Performing Arts. The neighborhood does suffer from noise and pollution from power plants. It then gives prices for homes, like 550,000 is the median price of a two-family house, as well as various other statistics and facts about things like taxes, zip codes, government, and so on.
Lee, Matt, and Ted Lee. “The New Ingredient in Astoria’s Kitchen? Style.” The New York Times 3 Nov. 2004, Late Edition (East Coast) ed., sec. F: F.1. The New York Times. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.
For many years, the only places to eat out in Astoria were Greek and Italian places. Since the 1990’s, Manhattanites and Brooklynites have been coming to Astoria for cheaper housing, and so restaurateurs have had to adapt to them. Therefore, Astoria’s culinary scene was, in 2004, becoming more diverse than ever. For example, many taquerias opened. Ubol’s Kitchen opened to serve authentic Thai food. Traditional French, Asian fusion, American steakhouse, and Latino restaurants were all opening up. Greek restaurants were putting a spin on Greek Cuisine to attract younger customers. The Cup Diner and Bar, though now closed, was a “retro-hip” cavernous new diner that was attracting crowds of rips, actors, and artists. Le Sans Souci is a French restaurant that opened in 2004. Instead of a cosmopolitan appearance, like most French restaurants, it resembled a bistro, so that the diverse customers will feel at welcome, not in somewhere foreign and “stuck-up.” Another example of the changing atmosphere is J.J.’s Fusion Kitchen and Sushi Bar, which changed from a take out noodle shop earlier in 2004, into a cozy eat-in place. To summarize, Astoria was becoming younger and more diverse, so in response, Astoria’s restaurants were becoming more diverse and stylish.
Mokha, Kavita. “New Eateries Add to Astoria’s Diverse Menu.” The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.
This article exemplifies how the new age of Astoria took root and explains the beginnings of many of the restaurants that today define the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Astoria has become gentrified in recent years, and much of the development is due to the young restaurant entrepreneurs who took an interest in Astoria’s artsy cultural appeal and cheaper real estate. One of the restaurants that Kavita mentions is BareBurger, which is a successful all-organic burger joint that opened in Astoria 5 years ago. This particular restaurant’s success demonstrates how the attitudes and ideals of Astoria natives have shifted in recent years, being that restaurants that specialize in preparing organic, environmentally conscious foods are attractive to those in the neighborhood today, whereas they have never been valued in the past. 31st avenue is now defined by the up-and-coming small business restaurants that cater to the new wave of artsy young immigrants, thus taking the history of food culture in Astoria in a new direction.
Rather, John. “Astoria.” If You’re Thinking of Living In–: All about 115 Great Neighborhoods in and around New York. New York: Times, 1999. 120-24. Print.
This book is composed of columns in the New York Times from the section “If You’re Thinking of Living In…”. Each week the column gave a snapshot of a neighborhood in New York City to let readers know if the neighborhood might be the right place for them to live. Astoria, in 1996 is a “Greek American stronghold” known for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife, affordability and its proximity to Manhattan. Astoria is the place to be for Greeks and Greek food lovers. The neighborhood is growing more diverse. Immigrants are coming in from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Ireland, Colombia, India, and China. The Hispanic and African American population has been growing. Even some of the Greeks who had left have come back for Astoria’s convenience. Many who own a two family house rent off their basement and second floor. Landmarks are described, like Astoria Park and The American Museum of the Moving Image. The article provides some history. The Greeks immigrated here after World War II, and their population rose dramatically after a change in national immigration policy. St. Demetrios is the largest Greek Orthodox church in the nation. The article finishes off by listing statistics about the neighborhood, like median household income and population, and its schools.
Roleke, John. “Astoria – Queens Neighborhood Profile.” About.com Queens, NY. About.com, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
This webpage is a compilation of facts about Astoria, geared to inform an average person about both the basic history of the neighborhood as well as the activities and sites Astoria offers today. It argues that both that “ Astoria is home to immigrants from around the world” and that “Astoria owns the food crown of Queens, with more high-quality restaurants, bakeries, and markets than other neighborhoods.” The page also summarizes other information related to real estate, shopping, and safety. It provides many outside links to learn more about Astoria including a link to over 15 recommended eateries, as well as a link to 24 photos of various places in Astoria.
Saltzstein, Dan. “Globally Speaking, Astoria’s Best.” The New York Times 2 Mar. 2005, Late Edition (East Coast) ed., sec. F: 9. The New York Times. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.
The article opines on the most ethnic and authentic restaurants and dishes that Astoria has to offer. J.J.’s Fusion Kitchen is an Asian hybrid restaurant, not exactly straight Chinese food. Viva El Mariachi serves Astoria’s tastiest tacos, all hot, soft, tender and juicy, with well-spiced salsa. Ubol’s Kitchen is Astoria’s most authentic Thai restaurant. It even claims so on its menu, writing, “Where Thai food stays Thai.” The soups and duck dishes are addictive and delicious. Café Bar offers Cyprus-authentic food. Its best dish is the savory pork and halloumi sandwich.
Trapasso, Clare. “Food Tours Crop up to Cash in on Astoria’s Growing Reputation as Must-visit Destination and ‘melting Pot’ for Foodies.” Www.nydailynews.com. N.p., 19 June 2013. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.
Astoria has a reputation for authentic and ethnic food, and food tour companies are profiting off of it. Different types of executives in the touring and food industries praise Astoria’s cuisine. Meredith Adams, who founded the Nom and the City touring company, says Astoria has a good mix of traditional and modern food and is the “heart of the food scene in Queens.” Daniel Thomas, who works for Dishcrawl, another company, says Astoria has everything, and it’s like a “melting pot of restaurants.” Local business owners think the tours can be good exposure and good publicity for their companies. Jay Soysal, Owner of the Edible Queens magazine, says that though Astoria has been overlooked for years, it’s up and coming, and it’s where people want to go when they go to Queens. Rob MacKay, from the Queens Tourism Council, says in Astoria there is any kind of cuisine anyone wants, all within walking distance. The article’s main benefit was that it informed just how authentic, ethnic, and diverse Astoria is compared to the rest of Queens.
Trapasso, Clare. “Uncle George’s Greek Tavern, Fixture of Astoria Restaurant Scene, Owed about $55,000 in Back Rent, Says Lawyer for New Landlord. “Www.nydailynews.com. N.p., 27 June 2013. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.
In June 2013, Uncle George’s Greek Tavern, a popular eatery among Astorians, had to close after it couldn’t pay rent. The article claims that the closure signifies “the end of an era in Astoria’s increasingly trendy restaurant scene.” One customer and community board member said after he would walk in and close the door, he thought he was in Greece. It was a 24-hour restaurant that opened in 1978, serving authentic Greek cuisine like grilled octopus, chicken souvlaki, and spinach pie spanakopita. Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas said “It’s the end of an era. It represented a wonderful picture of the past. It was a classic Greek taverna.” However, Megan Cotner, author of “Food Lovers’ Guide to Queens,” said it reminded her of the old Astoria because it was so dated. The restaurant couldn’t compete with the new restaurants, because they continued to serve their old food instead of reinventing the menu.
Vandam, Jeff. “Everyone’s Invited to This Block Party.” The New York Times. N.p., 22 Nov. 2009. Web. 6 May 2014.
This article is supposed to give people an idea of what living in Astoria is like. It explains that Astoria is very diverse, and it’s like a party that everyone is invited to, because there’s something for everyone. The neighborhood is like a little United Nations, and contains almost every food civilization has put forth. Astoria is getting more appeal as a place to live. It goes over the borders, and the big streets like Steinway and Ditmars boulevard. It then gives brief descriptions of what one should expect to pay. For example, a one-bedroom condominiums range from $375,000 to $530,000. The article then summarizes the neighborhood’s history, available entertainment, schools, and commute.
Wilson, Ross. Classical Greek-American Style: Greek-American Identity and Heritage in Astoria, New York City. Http://www.academia.edu/. Theoretical Archaeology Group, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
This paper examines the nature of the relationship between the Greek American community in the New York City suburb of Astoria and ‘American’ heritage. It discusses how Greek immigrants, who arrived during the 1960’2 and 1970’s, have had a large impact on the streets of Astoria. The neighborhood became an enclave of the Greek Diaspora and was so greatly affected that it received the nickname ‘Little Athens.’ By examining the usage of both the tangible and intangible Greek heritage within Astoria as expressions of Greek, American and Greek-American identity, this paper explores how minority communities relate to hegemonic concepts of heritage. This paper is very relevant as it serves to elucidate and elaborate upon this crucial part of Astoria’s history.
