QUEENS

SCENETRACKER
Something Alluring Comes to Queens

If you're looking to get out of Manhattan one night or simply venture out to a new kind of club scene, there's a new posh spot that just hit Queens. Allure Club & Lounge is new to Queens and offers a highly sophisticated atmosphere and you can tell right away.

The new posh club is very reminiscent of a venue you would find in the Miami club scene. Coming fully equipped with custom leather banquettes, a giant dance floor, swanky VIP areas, and a state of the art lighting design which can transform the entire space into any color scheme. Make sure to head down on Allure Fridays or Saturdays, where the party never stops and the drinks keep flowing. Allure is known for their great party planning, so if you've got a special occassion coming up, keep this Queens party spot in mind!

SCENETRACKER
New Art Exhibit Honors Jazz Icon Louis Armstrong

Jazz pioneer Louis Armstrong would have celebrated his 111th birthday last week were he still alive. Luckily, his music lives on and Resorts World Casino decided to throw a bash in his honor. The casino recently unveiled an art exhibit in their Fifth Avenue Atrium comprised of iconic photos of the musician from all around the world.

The small opening event hosted the media along with the Louis Armstrong House Quartet, who serenaded event attendees with classic Armstrong tunes. The exhibit will be featured in the atrium permanently, with classic Louis tunes playing for a week. “Though Armstrong was born in New Orleans, it was Queens, he chose to call home,” said Michael Speller, Resorts World Casino president.

FIRST COURSE Cookies
La Nueva Bakery's Authentic South American Bites

Translating as “The New” from Spanish, La Nueva is a South American-style bakery located in Jackson Heights, Queens. Situated on 37th Avenue and 87th Street, La Nueva compliments its busy surroundings, not to mention the loud music playing at immeasurable volumes out of other establishments and cars passing by. Getting there by subway, one must take the 7 from Manhattan, and enjoy the elevated view this ride offers once the train emerges into Queens. By bike, one will likely become distracted by the intense jumble of interesting urban planning that surrounds this area.

FIRST COURSE
A Hidden Gem: Christos Steakhouse

As you walk down the stairs from the N train platform that runs above 31st Street in Astoria, you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of the busy Manhattan streets. Everywhere you turn there are people running errands, returning from work, or meeting friends for coffee sitting at an outdoor section of a Greek café to better enjoy the summer weather. Off the beaten path, on a mainly residential section of 23rd Avenue is Christos Steakhouse. Ideal for special occasions, or whenever your inner carnivore needs a fix, Christos is the perfect blend of high-end steak house with a Mediterranean Greek flare not found in other steakhouses on the opposite of the East River.

FIRST COURSE
Odradeks Coffeehouse Serves Up Some Tasty Beans

Situated next to the Long Island Railroad Station in Queens’ Kew Gardens neighborhood, Odradeks Coffee is a relaxing little café that offers both basic and unique options. This spot has been in business since November 2011, and is open seven days a week. A diverse crowd frequents this coffee house, such as commuters, meeting-goers, locals, artists and writers. As Odradeks is next to the LIRR station, they post a convenient dry-erase board that informs customers of the next train going into New York City’s Pennsylvania Station.

CHARITY SOCIAL
The New York Mets Give Back

City Harvest seems to be reeling in the celebs lately to help out their worthy causes. Last week, Mr. Met and New York Mets players Mike Baxter, Daniel Murphy, and Jonathon Niese joined students from PS 12 in Woodside, Queens to help load a truck with their donations. Then three lucky students were chosen to play catch with the major league ball players!

During the 2011 Feed the Kids food drive, PS 12 collected 2000 pounds of food, which was more than any of other school. The Mets rewarded the hardworking students with a visit to the school and a game of catch to inspire other students to participate in this year's Feed the Kids drive. The Mets are supporting City Harvest and Feed the Kids as part of the team's season long hunger relief program, Feeding the Big Apple presented by Hain Celestial. The Feed the Kids drive helps to feed the one in four NYC children facing hunger.

FREQUENCY
50 Cent Urges You To 'Stop Crying' In New Single

FREQUENCY
Exclusive Interview with 106 & Park's DJ Prostyle

DJ Prostyle is no newbie to the music scene, as he’s been propelling his career as a DJ since the tender age of 13. It is no surprise that his name is a combination of the two most essential attributes needed to succeed in today’s music industry—professionalism and style.

This exclusive interview reveals that he not only embodies both of these qualities, but continues to push all boundaries of his career. DJ Prostyle was born in Queens, NY and moved to Orlando, Florida as a young teenager where he began to build his propensity for DJing. After a few years of throwing countless house parties and releasing mixtapes, Prostyle developed a loyal fan base, which ultimately landed him his own show on a college radio station at the age of 16. As his credentials continued to escalate, Prostyle scored another mix show at the age of 18 and his music permeated the airwaves, catapulting him to the 1 mix show in Orlando at the prime time 5pm slot.

FIRST COURSE
Open Your Arms to Summer and Your Mouths to These Newbies

Hello my little lambs! Just a friendly little heads up to all of you looking for new dining excursions to welcome in the official ribbon cutting arrival of SUMMER: there are a few new restaurants popping up on my food radar, and since my mother always taught me to share, I thought I'd make her proud and spill the goods to you all. Oh, hush! No need to thank me now. Buy me dessert and we'll call it even.

II Matto 281 Church Street :: New York, NY 10013 :: (212) 226-1607

As covered here by one of my fellow Joonbuggers, Il Matto will be an enjoyable dining experience for the patron who enjoys a bit of art with their meal. Proclaiming his dishes as "avant garde," Chef Matteo Boglione caters as much to his meals' appearance as he does to their taste. Entrees like the Saffron Appardelle tossed with osso buco ragout and bone-marrow sabayon will not only be a visual feast, but also a satisfyingly filling one. Also: their cocktails are sure to dizzy you - not necessarily from the alcohol content (though, heed it, lushes, heed it), but from their presentation. For example, the Clamato Mary that features a double-take-inducing sprig of thyme and piece of radicchio...what? Don't be scared. Buttoms up!

FIRST COURSE
50 and Frugal

London Lennie's 50 Anniversary
63-88 Woodhaven Blvd.
(Near 63rd Drive)
Rego Park, NY 11374
(718) 894-8084
www.londonlennies.com


50 years is not something to be taken lightly. It is an accomplishment that should be celebrated, and certainly not in a minimal manner. London Lennie's is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, and the colossal celebration starts Monday, April 12th.

We all love a bargain and London Lennie's is offering up one mother of a sizeable bargain. From April 10th until April 15th, receive 20 percent off all dishes on their menu during dinner. London Lennie's notable dishes include their Down East Lobster Roll, Fried Seafood Platter of fluke, shrimp, and scallops, New Bedford Sea Scallops, and New England Clam Chowder.