Rosario’s Famous La Bella Pizza and Pasta: ‘Coming Soon’ to Astoria, Queens

 

The future location of Rosario's Famous La Bella Pizza and Pasta on the corner of 38th Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard

 

Yesterday I took a trip into queens to get an update on the recently leased 38-01 Ditmars Boulevard. Although the gates were shut, I was happy to see a sign posted saying that the authentic Italian pizzeria is set to open later this season.

This summer, I had a quick sit-down with Rosario, owner and operator of La Bella,  during the lease signing for the space. Our conversation was brief and entirely about pizza. Rosario told me about all the necessary steps required in order to successfully run an authentic pizza shop; from the special care he takes in making and baking the dough to get the perfect amount of flakiness from his crusts,  to the surprisingly extensive selection process he employs in order to pick the perfect variety of tomatoes for his sauce. It was obvious from the get-go that this guy knows his way around a pizza oven.

Be sure to expect lots more coverage on Rosario’s Famous La Bella Pizza and Pasta, when their doors officially open later this fall.

-Jerry

Back in the day

(picture via modaupgradedliving.com)

Have you seen the old picture of the Queens Family Courthouse? Now more currently the site of Moda– a project boasting over 40,000 SF of retail space for lease, 346 modern living apartments, and a 500 space parking garage. The property has a rich history. Before becoming a courthouse, the space was the central Library Building. It was designed with an Italian Renaissance style, complete with marble walls and floors, and classic details. The library outgrew the space, and then in 1970 became the courthouse with an added brick and stone facade.

The original facade still stands today as a reminder of the neighborhood’s past. Want to be a part of this historic landmark?  Call 212-213-6480 for leasing information.

-Caitlin

Spiciest food found in Jamaica, Queens

West African Pepper Shrimp (picture via Village Voice)

I have a knack for finding delicious spicy foods, but the Village Voice may have closed in on the spiciest in the city. “Putting others to shame,” the West African Pepper Shrimp at Maima’s in Jamaica, Queens is “mouth-searing, mind-bogglingly-hot.”  The shrimp are crunchy and topped with an orange-flavored sauce, but with a (big) kick. Maima’s is the only Liberian restaurant in NYC, and is located in a residential neighborhood near JFK airport.

Visit the eatery at 106-47 Guy Brewer Boulevard, and make sure to stop by space for lease 89-14 Parsons Boulevard to see the new development Moda.

-Caitlin

Moda Close to Complete!

89-14 Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens

Today I spent the afternoon in Jamaica, Queens at our latest retail project, Moda at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard. The space is coming along quickly, almost ready for tenants to move in. The building bosts 346 apartments and 45,000 square feet of retail space. While King Polo/Associated Supermarkets has already leased over 10,000 SF, there’s still plenty of room for your restaurant, nail salon, pharmacy, or other retail use. Call 212-213-6480 while there’s still time, and make sure to visit Moda’s website and become a fan on Facebook!

-Caitlin

Century 21 Mystery SOLVED!

Yesterday Retail Specialist Elliott Dweck found an ad in the New York Post announcing the opening of a Century 21 store in Queens. But where in Queens? He asked with distress. After some sleuthing (or visiting the Century 21 website) I discovered that the mega store will launch at 61-01 Junction Boulevard in the Rego Park neighborhood.

The store will offer high end designers at 40 to 60 percent off the regular retail price, and will be the sixth store in the area. Current locations include the flagship store in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, two in New Jersey, and one on Long Island. The grand opening of the Rego Park location is today, so make sure to visit!

Mystery solved. I’m a regular Nancy Drew.

-Caitlin

Become a Fan of MODA on Facebook!

Are you on Facebook? Do you love brand new luxury retail and residential buildings? Become a fan of MODA on Facebook! With approximately 45,000 square feet of retail space and 346 apartments, MODA sits in the heart of Jamaica, Queens at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard. The property has easy access to several transportation options, a 500-space underground parking garage, and is neighbored by national and international retailers like The Home Depot, Old Navy, and Walgreens.

King Polo/Associated Supermarkets has already signed onto the project as an anchor of the building, but there is still room for your restaurant, daycare center, nail salon, or other retail use! Hurry and call 212-213-6480 while there’s still space available. In the mean time, log onto your Facebook page and become a fan of this amazing new development.

-Caitlin

MODA Project has Website!

One of our most recent projects– Moda, at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard, has launched a new website complete with a neighborhood navigator, information about the retail space, and a history of the building. Currently under construction, the 45,000 SF of retail space and 346 apartments are expected to be completed this Spring. Not only does the busy Jamaica, Queens neighborhood boast nearby national retailers like The Home Depot, Old Navy, and Walgreens, but also has easy access to several forms of transportation. Is this the perfect location for your salon, restaurant, or other retail use? Call 212-213-6480, and make sure to visit the new website here!

-Caitlin

A Day in Astoria

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens

For those of you who refuse to leave Manhattan, or even venture outside of Brooklyn, I have a neighborhood you must try: Astoria, Queens. I know, you probably have no idea where to begin, or even how to get there! No worries, I’ve planned out a day for you. I’ve provided you with three must-stop locations in this neighborhood.

Housing artifacts from every stage of producing, promoting, and exhibiting motion pictures, the Museum of the Moving Image is the perfect spot for movie lovers, and is even kid friendly. The museum is filled with old costumes, technical equipement, publicity materials, and videos. Visitors can view screenings, participate in workshops, and even play classic video arcade games. Suggested admission is only $7!

Hungry? Visit S’Agapo Restaurant at 34th Street and 34th Avenue. Greek for “I Love You,” S’Agapo’s delicious food is easy to fall in love with. Try the hummus, zucchini fries, or homemade sausage in the cozy dining room, filled with fresh flowers and Greek music. Accompany your meal with a bottle from the extensive wine list, and make sure to top it off with a baklavah or halva from the dessert menu.

Finish off your day at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden where you can sit outside and sip on eastern European beers for cheap prices. The spot used to be a Czech and Slovak social club, but now is a popular hangout for beer drinkers. Patrons can sit in the giant garden at one of the wooden picnic tables, or (better for the winter months) stay indoors. Another benefit: live music and festivals all summer long!

Now that you have a plan, make sure to stop by space for lease 38-01 Ditmars Boulevard. With 1175 square feet in a high traffic area, it’s the perfect location for your retail use! Call 212-213-6480 for leasing information.

-Caitlin

Five facts you probably didn’t know about Jamaica, Queens

The Moda project at 89-14 Parsons Blvd. in Jamaica, Queens

1. The name “Jamaica” actually has nothing to do with the country Jamaica. Native Americans named it “Jameco” after a Lenape language word for “beaver.”

2. Jamaica was home to many notable residents like 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Metallica, Lamar Odom, and even Donald Trump!

3. A day long dance festival will be held on May 1, 2010 called Making Moves. Over 100,000 people viewed the 2007 exhibition, and more are expected this year.

4. The total population of Jamaica is a bit over 200,000, making it the largest neighborhood in Queens.

5. A fabulous project is currently under construction– Moda. With 45,000 SF of retail space, 346 apartments, and a 500 space underground parking garage, the property is set to be completed this spring. The King Polo supermarket chain has already signed onto the project, but there is still space available to be built out for you by the developer. Interested yet? Call us at 212-213-6480 for leasing information.

-Caitlin

Moda is Moving Along

The Moda project at 89-14 Parsons Blvd in Jamaica, Queens looks great! I visited the space today to find beautiful retail storefronts all along 89th Avenue and Parsons Blvd. The building is expected to be completed by March, with 45,000 SF of retail space, 346 apartments, and a 500 space parking garage below. The King Polo supermarket chain has already signed onto the project, but there is still space available to be built out for you by the developer. This is the perfect location in downtown Jamaica! Give us a call while there’s still room: 212-213-6480.

-Caitlin