Support local biz in LIC: February specials from liQcity Sponsors

Little Closets children’s consignment boutique on Vernon Blvd, Long Island City

For this month’s Sponsor Specials post, we decided to take the opportunity to introduce our liQcity readers to our liQcity sponsors, in addition to outlining their specials for the month. Thank you all for your support!

Sponsor info after the jump:

• 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 at 11am on February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th – no prior experience is necessary. For those who want to try CrossFit for a month, their Foundations Programs start on February 2nd and 15th – sign up online. In addition: the CrossFit Games movie will be screened this week on Friday, February 5th at 8pm. The doors are open to anyone who is interested, and it’s FREE. 5-26 47th Ave, LIC, 646.415.8363

• Little Closets is Vernon Blvd’s own children’s consignment boutique. Following in the community-oriented tradition of gallery space/artisan store Art-O-Mat which occupied the space before them, Little Closets hosts FREE events like storytime in all languages nearly every Thursday at 11am, and French music class for babies aged 0-2 on Fridays at 3:30pm (sign up during the wk, there’s only 12 slots). This month, the store will be working with several Haiti Orphanages: “we will have a list of their most needed items on our website. Bring in a donation and receive a 20% off coupon to our store.” They’re also having a My Little Valentine Sale: “Dress up your little one for their Valentine closeup. Select apparel 30% off ending February 15th.” 46-46 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.707.0470

• 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. PS – email them if you’re interested in volunteering: volunteer@filmbizrecycling.org. 43-26 12th Street, 2nd FL, LIC, 718.392.3304

• The lovely ladies of Primp & Tease Salon on 50th Ave are a classy group to turn to when you need hair, makeup, and color services. They also do highlights and lowlights, lashes and brows, event styling, and even bridal services. Call and make your appointment: 718.472.2001, they’re open every day besides Monday. Also: besides special gift certificates and accessories, they’re also offering some super sweet Valentine’s deals with a note to all the single ladies out there: “if you don’t spoil yourself, who else will?” 5-02A 50th Ave, LIC

• Local Long Island City printer/design studio Big City Graphics has devised the perfect way to beat the winter slump: their current limited-time special of 5,000 4×6 postcards for only $99 (see flyer here). 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’s Ethereal Boutique features a mix of classy and edgy designer apparel, vintage fashions, and clothing for women, men, and children, in addition to a selection of jewelry, accessories, handbags, hats, shoes, and more. This is a great stop for unique, often one-of-a-kind finds that won’t break the bank. Ethereal will also be participating in the upcoming Queens Fashion Week events from February 11th-13th. 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. The studio is running a great special through Spring 2010 for new students only: $40 for 30 days of unlimited classes which begins on the day of purchase. Check the schedule for classes or email founder and yoga instructor Alicia: alicia@yogastudio6lic.com. They’re also scheduling a rejuvenating trip to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts from March 14th-18th, contact Phyllis at 718.969.0096 or pkushner@nyc.rr.com for details. ‎27 28 Thomson Ave, Work Studio 6 (1st Floor), 718.361.5515

The Yoga Room on 47th Rd, Hunters Point, Long Island City

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. The Yoga Room is also hosting a special Valentine’s Day treat: a Thai Yoga Massage Partner Workshop on Saturday, February 13th from 3-6pm at the LIC Studio (they have one at their 35th Ave Astoria location on 2/20, too). Cost is $80 per couple pre-registered or $90 per couple on the day of the event, no prior experience required. 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. There’s also 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 speciality 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 you can use to chill out with your goods. Sweetleaf was also featured in the latest issue of Edible Queens Magazine in an article complete with a very useful how-to for the perfect cup of coffee. 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; there’s also supposedly some new El Ay Si money floating around the hood that could win you $10 towards your meal at the restaurant. 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’re currently offering 50% off your initial visit. Click here for all the details and contact them for more info. The offer expires 2/28/2010. 47-43 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.361.3050

• State Farm offers auto, home, life, and other kinds of insurance and have a convenient Long Island City 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 through February 28th, 2010. He’s available for consultations Monday thru Friday from 9am-6:30pm, Saturday from 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. In addition, the main room is set up like a living room so you can literally make yourself at home and cozy up to the fireplace. 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. Coming up this month: they’re bringing out special menu items and more flat screens in their main dining room for Superbowl Sunday on February 7th. Also, check out their Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu and make plans for the night. 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

• 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