Spring has sprung, get out there & support Long Island City’s local biz
The legendary Manducatis Italian restaurant, Jackson Ave, Long Island City
It’s that time again.. Happy Spring, Happy April, and here once more is liQcity’s monthly Sponsor Specials post. Meet our sponsors and check out their specials for the month of April as well as their general services. Thank you all for your support!
CrossFit is a broad general strength and conditioning program designed to build a well balanced, healthy individual, and they’ve brought a training center to LIC that’s right off Vernon Blvd. CrossFit LIC is holding FREE Saturday classes (no prior experience is necessary, sign up here), and for those who want to try CrossFit for a month, you can check online to find out when their next Foundations Program starts. On April 10th and 24th, the FREE Saturday workouts will be Gantry Plaza Park workouts, held outdoors at – you guessed it – LIC’s super scenic Gantry Park. 5-26 47th Ave, LIC, 646.415.8363
Lolly’s Learning Center, LIC’s newest Early Learning Center, offers classrooms for 2, 3, and 4 year olds, and will be open 12 months, 8am-6pm, Mon-Fri. Their grand opening is coming up on April 6th, 2010. Now enrolling! For the month of April, Lolly’s is offering a mini day special: Enroll for 2 mini days, receive 3, enroll for 3, receive 5 (first three months) for lower and upper preschool classes, also 10% off full time program for lower and upper preschool classes. They will continue to offer the waived enrollment fee in their previous liQcity discount – mention liQ to receive more info. 5-44 47th Avenue, LIC, 718.729.9071
LIC’s adaptive-reuse Breadbox Café is open on 11th St and stocked up with bagels but also a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, treats, teas, and more. And yes, the rolling pins on the facade (which have caught quite a bit of media attention) are coming! But they’re waiting to do it right (and with flair) when the weather improves – details soon. In the meantime, they’ve started a lunch special – everyday from 11am-2pm, buy one of their salads or sandwiches and get a FREE ginger lemonade or apricot iced tea. 47-11 11th St, LIC, 718.389.9700
Film Biz Recycling is a prop house/boutique that receives donations from film and TV productions. It’s always fun to look through their ever-growing collection (check online for new items), and you can now buy eco-friendly food service items by the sleeve or by the case for your small production or anything else – you can also return what you don’t use. For the entire month of April, mention liQcity and get 10% off any purchase. If you bring in a recyclable item off the street – a crushed water bottle or aluminum can discarded by a litter bug – get 25% off any purchase! 43-26 12th Street, 2nd FL, LIC, 718.392.3304
Little Ones is an early childhood learning center located in the spacious ground floor of a Queens West condo right near the waterfront. For 7 years, they’ve been offering a memorable and nurturing preschool experience for children 2 to 4 years of age. Contact them at 718.392.1254 or littleoneslic@gmail.com for more info; brand new website coming soon. 4-74 48th Ave, LIC
Madera Cuban Grill & Steakhouse is set to be the latest addition to Vernon Blvd’s strip of multicultural restaurant offerings. Madera “will be serving delicious Cuban cuisine and the type of tender, Midwestern steaks you can only find in the finest steakhouses… and grilled to luscious perfection!” Keep a lookout for their opening – they’ll leave the lanterns on for you. 47-29 Vernon Blvd, LIC
Little Closets is Vernon Blvd’s own children’s consignment boutique. Following in the community-oriented tradition of Art-O-Mat, Little Closets hosts FREE events like Storytime and French Music Class; check their blog for all the latest on sales, events, and updates. 46-46 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.707.0470
The stylish ladies of Primp & Tease Salon on 50th Ave are a great group to turn to when you need hair, makeup, and color services right here in the nabe. They also do highlights and lowlights, lashes and brows, event styling, and even bridal services. 5-02A 50th Ave, LIC, 718.472.2001
Local Long Island City printer/design studio Big City Graphics offers printing, marketing, and design services located conveniently in the neighborhood. Times are tough but that doesn’t mean you should stop promoting your business, website, gallery, etc! Contact them for further details. 46-09 11th St, LIC, 718.706.9670
Vernon Blvd favorite Ethereal Boutique features a mix of classy and edgy designer apparel, vintage fashions, and clothing for women, men, and children. This is in addition to a selection of luxurious accessories, jewelry, handbags, hats, shoes, and more. This is a great stop for unique, often one-of-a-kind finds that won’t break the bank. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.482.8884
Thinking of trying yoga or finding a new studio? The relatively new and intimate Yoga Studio 6 has found a serene space in Arris Lofts that’s extremely welcoming to seasoned and first-time yogis alike. They’re currently launching a Prenatal Yoga 8 Week Class Series beginning Sunday, April 11. Classes are from 9:30-11am, cost is $150. For further details contact: alicia@yogastudio6lic.com or 718.361.5515. 27 28 Thomson Ave, Work Studio 6 (1st FL)
The Yoga Room is a beautiful space for yoga and pilates right off of Vernon Blvd, offering classes that are open to everyone. They offer many classes for flexible schedules including a variety of yoga styles like Hot Yoga and Vinyasa, in addition to pilates, massage, acupuncture, teacher training, and many different types of workshops. 10-14 47th Rd, LIC, 718.786.7962
Vernon Blvd pet store Kitty & Dog Lounge has been revamped, reorganized, and restocked. They’re offering pet supplies, food, clothes, toys, and even a lounge area with chairs, free coffee for humans and snacks for pets, as well as a pet-themed movie on a flat screen TV, in case you’d like to watch. And there’s always some new furry friends to meet, so stop by for a visit. 49-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.806.1219
Sweetleaf is a cozy coffee shop in a lovely old building right on the corner of Jackson Ave and 11th St in LIC. They serve the renowned cuppa specialty joe known as Stumptown Coffee, named “best coffee in the world” by NPR. They’ve also got tea and treats made fresh on the premises every day, in addition to a nice little seating area where you can chill out with your goods. 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC, 917.832.6726
Vernon Blvd eatery El Ay Si is one of the newest additions to LIC’s ever-growing group of diverse restaurants. They serve world cuisine-inspired comfort food that covers everything from Chicken Fried Chicken to Wild Mushroom Agnolotti – oh, and don’t forget their hearty Mac n’ Cheese with Applewood Smoked Bacon. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates. They’re now open for lunch Tues-Fri from 11am-3pm. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.389.8781
Court Square Wines & Spirits on Jackson Ave right near the 7, E, G, and V trains and the Citibank building, is the largest wine store in Long Island City. They’ve got a wide selection featuring well-known labels as well as unique wines, in addition to FREE delivery and competitive prices. And just in case you like a bit of culture with your wines, they also run exhibitions of the work of local photographers and artists throughout the store. 2420 Jackson Ave, LIC, 718.707.9911
Easily accessible on Vernon Blvd, Into White Dental puts an emphasis on the artistry inherent in dentistry. They offer a range of services on a flex-schedule to adjust to their patients’ needs. This month, they’re offering FREE Invisalign consultations to liQcity readers. Reserve your appointment to discuss the clear alternative to metal braces and what Invisalign can do for you. Just stop by the office to fill out a registration form or visit their website, download the form, and return it – your consultation will be scheduled once it is received. 47-43 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.361.3050
State Farm offers auto, home, life, and other kinds of insurance and have a convenient LIC location on Vernon Blvd. LIC’s State Farm agent Mike Winter is offering a FREE gift for anyone who comes in for an insurance quote and mentions liQcity. He’s available for consultations Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and after hours by appointment. 4813 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.707.0075
Vernon Blvd eatery Manducatis Rustica is all about old world Italian flavors and specialties. Founded by the daughter of LIC restaurateurs Vincenzo and Ida Cerbone, the couple who own Jackson Ave mainstay Manducatis, Gianna Cerbone-Teoli follows in her family’s tradition by offering up an inviting, familial atmosphere alongside homemade Italian delicacies. Try the pizzas, pastas, entrees, and of course the desserts, including an irresistible variety of gelato – perfect for the warmer weather! In addition, the main room is set up like a living room so you can literally make yourself at home. 46-33 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.937.1312
Charge & Ride, Inc. is a local transportation service with over 40 years in the business that calls LIC’s Vernon Blvd its home. They’re equipped with a fleet of 2007 and higher luxury sedans, SUVs, limos and bus services, and offer 3 great LIC airport specials: LIC to LaGuardia is $25, LIC to JFK is $40, and LIC to Newark is $55. Call 718.392.5200 or 718.32.TRY US to schedule door-to-door transportation to hotels, airports, and more for groups, corporate, and individuals.
Testaccio Ristorante is another brand new addition to LIC’s restaurant scene. Offering everything from soups and salads to pasta and pizza cooked in their wood-fired oven, Testaccio brings contemporary Roman cuisine to their sophisticated yet intimate space on Vernon Blvd. Check their new blog for updates on menus, daily specials, and recipes. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.937.2900
The Foundry is a gorgeously restored 19th century foundry that is available to rent for film and video shoots, photography, special events, parties, weddings, and seminars. It’s located directly across from Manhattan by the East River and next to the 59th Street Bridge, not too far from Queens Plaza. Check the rental info for all the details, specs, and rates; there’s also a rentable courtyard and terrace space. Contact them for more info. 42-38 9th St, LIC, 718.786.7776
Long Island City’s Evandro Tech Motors specializes in European auto repair, restoration, and detailing (car cleaning). By appointment only. 10-01 45th Ave @ Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.389.0430
Go Postal is your neighborhood shipping center, office center, and more, located in between Vernon Blvd and Jackson Ave. They offer moving supplies, fax services, color/black and white copies, mailbox rentals, metered mail, passport photos, gift wrapping, scanning, internet access, Avanti greeting cards, and same-day courier services within a 35-mile radius. Open Monday thru Friday from 9am-6pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm. 10-18 50th Avenue, LIC, 718.472.5024
Manducatis has been there for over 30 years, in fact I think closer to 50. It’s from another time when restaurants looked very nondescript from the outside and inside it’s a palace. It has a nice old world antique aesthetic, and Ida’s cooking is authentic Italian grandma. So satisfying! Grandpa greets you at the door. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
2, I know all that and I’m all for old-world charm. I’ve gone there and like the restaurant, though I think it might be just a bit overrated. I just think they could spruce the place up a bit on the outside. It looks a little dumpy and doesn’t do much for that street corner.
In college, we had a barbecue place with a trailor driven into the front yard and attached to an old vicortian house. Thier idea of ‘expanding’. They never had regualr hours, you know dinner or lunch. But whenever they opened, word spread like wildfire and it was jam packed in minutes. Best wings I ever had in my life!!!
If you go by looks, you’ll miss a lot in life!!
I agree that Manducatis is way over rated. And the location is indeed a dump. Manettas is no better either.
Cheap ribs in a rundown, hick college town is one thing. I like those places too. But, come on, Manducati’s can spend a little to make their outside look a little better. It looks like a crappy building and doesn’t do much for the area. For the prices they charge, they can certainly afford it.
Yes, you can’t judge a book by its cover. We all know that saying, but ask any business person and they will tell you people do judge books by its covers dozens of time each day. Billions are spent each year on branding, packaging etc. and its naive to think it doesn’t make a difference. The fact is that they are doing themselves a disservice. (What fine dining establishment has bar-like neon signs in the window?) Your food can be the best in the world, but if no one goes inside to try it what good is that? Besides that a sruce up would be good for the neighborhood.
the suburban,shopping mall,esthetic/ sensibility is clearly popular among the newer
residents of the neighborhood.
Center Boulevard and its environs look like it was dropped in from Atlanta or San Diego,
but now some people seem to want the entire neighborhood to look like as sterile as the
waterfront. That’s a shame.
It’s long time over due – they need to spend some money on the outside of the building.
Move back to the mid-west.
8, 10, don’t make yourself sound like fools. I’ve lived in LIC/NYC my entire life and think Manducati’s could use a facelift. Who says that fixing up a place means it can’t complement the neighborhood? It has nothing to do with copying San Diego or the Midwest. The corner looks desolate, and the facade of the building is dreary.
Atlanta and San Diego are nice, clean cities. NYC filth should be a thing of the past.
And the LIC waterfront is nice. Not perfect, but better than abandoned car shops filled with old tires and 40 oz.’s of Old English laying everywhere.
Ok I think the point has been made about Manducatis facade. One thing I don’t like about this blog is sometimes people have vendettas against business owners and then say nasty things about the business. Manducatis is the best Italian food in LIC, paralleled maybe by one or two others. If the outside falls apart completely people will still go there. And they are good people please do not write bad things about them for no reason. I like the 1940′s feeling of the facade. It’s an rough aesthetic, if you want yuppie condo glass everywhere just don’t leave queenswest.
From the time I moved to this neighborhood, I was drawn to Manducattis because of its mysterious facade. I like the look. It’s understated cool, which frankly, most people in this neighborhood don’t get.
I object to you disparaging Olde English 800. In a 40 oz or in a can…
Umm, LIC looks nothing like San Diego. Get a clue.
Thanks 13 and 14. You have contended.
#13 I would go so far as to say Manducatis is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC not just LIC.
17, don’t overstate your case. There are world class italian resturants in this city. Manducatis is never mentioned among them.
Queens west Center blvd and those clone cookie cutter sterile condos give that area a suburban look that resembles a boring Battery park city or Jersey city heights exactly. People should not throw their nose up and act they can tear down everything in that area when you just moved there 8 years ago if that.
The words on here by some match the attitude that has no regard for people who live there and had established restaurants for many years.
Thank you # 19. SOME newbies feel so entitled and determined to drive out anything, or anyone, or any ideal that seems un-slick to them. No appreciation or respect for the individuals, or business that have been the backbone of what they now seem to aspire to dictate/rule.
Just called Charge and Ride a few days ago for the special they advertised for Newark airport. I told them about the special listed on this website and they agreed to the price: $55. They picked us up and service was great. But when it came time to pay they charged $144!!!! Unfortunately, they asked for our credit card ahead of time to make the reservation. So there was nothing we could do to avoid the charge. Now, we’re doing the best we can to contact their manager and get a credit. WHAT A RIP-OFF!!!
20, no one want to drive them out, we just want them to spruce up the exterior, which looks lousy.
Thanks for all the money saving tips. I’ll be sure to check them out.
#21 – thanks for the heads up on Charge and Ride. I have family coming in for a visit and was planning on taking advantage of their special. Hope you get your money back!
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After all these years raking in money, why hasn’t Manducati’s spruced up their property? The place is looking mighty tired.