Photo by Katie Boyle
Floresta
51-02 VERNON BLVD.,
LONG ISLAND CITY
FLORESTANYC.COM
Photos courtesy of Floresta
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
Q.E.D.
27-16 23RD AVE., ASTORIA
QEDASTORIA.COM
On any given day pre-COVID,
Astoria residents could go to
Q.E.D. for a comedy show, movie
screening or class. The performing
arts and adult learning space
hosted over 100 events a month.
“Our mission is to provide affordable
and accessible entertainment
to a diverse audience,”
said owner Kambri Crews, but
the future of Q.E.D. after the
pandemic is uncertain.
Crews has pivoted — expanding
the retail shop, offering togo
drinks and trying outdoor
and virtual events.
“We did some Zoom shows
— it was not worth the time and
money and the mental taxation,”
Crews said. “It just wasn’t
rewarding.”
After July 4 weekend, when
artistic institutions were allowed
to host outdoor shows,
Q.E.D. started hosting distanced
comedy shows in its
backyard, where everyone
had to buy tickets in advance
and wear a mask. She said it
seemed like something the
community needed, and everyone
was respectful of the
rules.
Photo by Suess Moments
While COVID-19 has been a challenge
for engaged couples, it has also
impacted the vendors that bring weddings
to life. Floresta, a fl ower shop in
Long Island City specializing in vintage
and eclectic fl oral arrangements, saw
couples postpone their events.
As some weddings were downscaled
to intimate gatherings, guest lists were
reduced, and venues were changed
from large halls to spaces like backyards,
Floresta was ready.
“We are experienced in producing
events outdoors, so there wasn’t
a large shift in our savoir-faire,” said
Juan Carlo Bermudez, head designer
and owner.
Floresta is open but limits the number
of staff and guests in the store and
encourages people to order online
and over the phone for pickup and a
fast transaction. They’ve also been getting
more delivery requests than usual,
especially over the summer.
While large events are mostly off the
table for now, clients are continuing
to request fl owers or plants for their
homes as they spend more time inside.
“They want to make their place a
small sanctuary during these trying
times,” Bermudez said.
Bright palettes were popular over
the summer and moody warm colors
are in style for the fall. Still, many clients
want something cheerful and uplifting,
no matter what the season.
“In order to accomplish this, we can
use softer warm colors like pastels especially
peaches, soft yellows or cream
to brighten a fall palette,” he said.
“We continue to see people intently
support local businesses by buying
or requesting services from people in
their local community.”
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