C RY D E R
P O I N T
JANUARY 18
BY JILL DAVIS OOuutt About
&As we ring in 2019, let’s remember this heartfelt wish from old-time comedian Joey
Adams: “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”
During the dark, frigid days of January, it’s nice to know there’s a holiday that can help
us climb out of our winter doldrums: National Hugging DayTM. Rev. Kevin Zaborney
from Caro, Michigan, created this day on January 21, 1986, and as you can see, it’s
trademarked. In fact it’s actually become a pretty big deal: the day has its own website
(nationalhuggingday.com) and there’s a convention every year in Los Angeles with contests
and awards. Last year, for example, the Guinness Book of World Records showed
up to verify the biggest group hug with the most nationalities represented (about 50,
they say). Who knew?
Of course January also honors Martin Luther King, commemorated on the third
Monday of January each year. This year, that happens to fall on January 21. Dr. King
was a peaceful man, so I’m sure he’d appreciate the idea of folks giving each other a hug
today. Get the 2018 National Day Wall Calendar. It’s The Perfect Holiday Gift.
Happy New Year everyone, and check out some of the nearby happenings coming
up. You may notice a few that are very food-oriented. I find this a little annoying since
we’re all trying to recover from overindulging during the holidays (who schedules these
things?). Have fun!
Annual Winter Art Show: Bayside Historical Society
Sunday, January 14–Sunday, January 28
Ft. Totten Castle, Bayside
baysidehistorical.org
718-352-1548
The Society is holding its 18th Annual Winter Art Show at the Castle in Fort Totten
Park. What’s cool is that the show will feature work by Queens-based artists, and they’re
mainly from our neck of the woods here in Northeast Queens. If you’re really into it,
attend the opening reception on the 13th at 2pm for some artsy chit-chat and tasty refreshments.
Admission is $5 per person (free for BHS members); call BHS or check the
website for exhibition hours, which vary by day of week.
Long Island Food & Wine Festival
Saturday, January 19, 11:30am-2:30pm & 4:00pm-7:00pm
Nassau Coliseum
1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale
foodandwinefest.com
800-745-3000
Indulge in a little vino while you’re helping a good cause. The festival is in partnership
with the Red Cross’s “Corks for Charity” program, and a portion of all ticket sales goes
toward disaster relief. General admission is $49 in advance and $65 at the gate. If you
want to go all-out, a VIP ticket will cost you $125, but you’ll be hosted in the coliseum’s
big-shot private lounge by Doc Gooden and Mookie Wilson (for all you young whippersnappers
out there, they’re from the 1986 NY Mets).
18 CRYDER POINT COURIER | JANUARY 2019 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
Broadway Week
January 21-February 10
Tickets on sale January 9
nycgo.com
Broadway Week returns and gives you
a chance to catch some great shows with
2-for-1 tickets. The list of participating
shows wasn’t available at press time, but
it’s safe to say that the offerings will include
Kinky Boots, Waitress, Wicked and
probably Frozen. You can check out the whole shebang at nycgo.com when tickets go
on sale January 9.
NYC Restaurant Week
Monday, January 21-Friday, February 8
Reservations open January 9
nycgo.com (information)
opentable.com (reservations)
It’s no coincidence that NYC Restaurant
Week coincides with Broadway Week. Naturally
places all over Manhattan will participate,
but there are usually several Queens’ restaurants
that join in too. Check out nycgo.com for a list starting January 9. No matter
where you go, a three-course prix fixe dinner will set you back 42 bucks (plus tax, tip
and beverages, of course), but it’s still a great deal. If you’re on a budget, you can grab a
two-course lunch for $26. Note that Saturdays aren’t included.
Long Island Restaurant Week
Sunday, January 27-Sunday, February 3
longislandrestaurantweek.com
Yes, another restaurant week (you’d think
they’d spread these things out a little and give
my hips a break). This year’s L.I. Restaurant
Week is a great bargain at $29.95 for a threecourse
prix fixe dinner. Nearby participating
restaurants include LOLA and Brasserie Americana in Great Neck, the Red Salt Room
and Waterzooi in Garden City, and Thyme in Roslyn. Reservations book up fast, and
it’s recommended that you call seven to ten days in advance (call the establishment
directly).
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday, February 2, 8pm
Tilles Center
720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
tillescenter.org
516-299-3100
This is an especially noteworthy concert: the Israel Philharmonic’s conductor, Zubin
Mehta, will be stepping down as the orchestra’s music director this year (and who can
blame him? He’s 82!). The program includes Schubert’s Symphony No. 3 in D Major
and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major. Tickets prices are also major, ranging from
$75 per person up to a lofty $550 per person for VIP tickets, but that’s not a shocker for
such a special event.
/nycgo.com
/baysidehistorical.org
/foodandwinefest.com
/WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
/nycgo.com
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/nycgo.com
/nycgo.com
/opentable.com
/longislandrestaurantweek.com
/tillescenter.org
