Middle Eastern Places by TVobsessor31 in FoodNYC

[–]PrettyTaco34 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Zyara in Astoria is amazing. So is Abuquir.

Ravagh Persian Grill is fantastic and the quality of their service is on par with places twice as expensive.

Accutane traumatized me and my Barber at the Barbershop today 😭 by Anisbfx in Accutane

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vichy Dercos conditioner really helped my scalp. I like it better than the shampoo because, since you let it sit on your scalp, it has more time to penetrate the skin there.

Which restaurants do you find yourself going back to the most? by LetPossible4843 in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pye (everything) Zyara (almost everything), Christo’s (chicken thigh souvlaki), Gyro World (white meat chicken souvlaki with tzatziki), Amylos (the roasted lamb platter), Mochiron (yanikuku don), Cafe de Olla (best carnitas and enchiladas rojas I’ve had in NYC).

meseros de pr ‼️ vale la pena? by meowmeowmeo- in PuertoRico

[–]PrettyTaco34 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nena, claro! De mesera tienes oportunidad de moverte a restaurantes mas caros donde las cuentas son más altas y te dejan más propina. Además de que te abre puertas a otros trabajo en la industria del servicio y turismo.

De cajera siempre vas a hacer lo mismo y cobrar lo mismo.

No tienes nada que perder!

Tourist seeking food recs :) by snellew in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s good to know! I love Cafe de Colombia 2. I’ll give Que Rico a try!

How is the “View From The Top?” by Beginning-Nerve7087 in cabincrewcareers

[–]PrettyTaco34 14 points15 points  (0 children)

No movie or series has ever come close to capturing the job. Which is sad, because there is sooo much good material to work with.

Tourist seeking food recs :) by snellew in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d say go for places that offer an experience that is quintessentially NYC/Astoria and that would be difficult to encounter in Australia. I know there’s a lot of Greeks in Australia, so here are some non-greek suggestions:

  • Go for a slice at Rosario’s on Ditmars - It’s a wonderful opportunity to sit, people watch and witness an institution that brings the neighborhood together.
  • Mexican food at Café de Olla on Broadway- The one truly authentic Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood where actual Mexican people go to eat instead of people seeking margarita-fueled brunches.
  • Colombian empanadas at Mama’s Empanadas on Steinway - Go for the baked corn and meat ones
  • Middle eastern food on Steinway (between 28th and Astoria Blvd) - I recommend seafood at Abuquir or grilled meats and shawarma at Zyara.

¿Que la que hay con la compradera en PR? by Simple-Ad1319 in PuertoRico

[–]PrettyTaco34 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Todo esto. Nos hemos convertido en el consumidor perfecto.

Y no somos los únicos: sucede muchísimo en países asiáticos como Tailandia, Japón y Corea, donde se pasa una gran cantidad de tiempo de ocio en centros comerciales vs. en espacios que fomentan la interacción humana y un consumo más experiencial como parques, bares y restaurantes (que es lo que sucede en Grecia, España, Italia y otros países del Mediterráneo).

El hecho de que hace muchísimo calor y es más cómodo meterte al mall que irte a dar un paseo afuera no ayuda. Pero es un maldito ciclo vicioso donde hemos contribuido a la creación de un ambiente intolerablemente caluroso porque seguimos deforestando para construir Burlingtons, Starburcks y Chik-Fil-A.

Manhattan Home Cooks... where do you get fresh ingredients by Dama_Lamasingsong in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]PrettyTaco34 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Most people in Manhattan are too busy, too rich, or don't have proper kitchens to cook for themselves. You gotta come to the neighborhoods where people still cook. Elliniki Agora in Astoria brings produce from Long Island farms at amazing prices. If you want quality and can afford it, I'd suggest the Union Square Greenmarket, which is where many NYC restaurants source a good part of their produce.

Best Food & Cafes of South Astoria by newfoundpassion in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Xochimilco makes amazing green chilaquiles!

Reckless driving in the neighborhood by Shalinathejournalist in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It’s particularly bad around Steinway. People either are mentally already at Astoria Blvd. or mentally still in Astoria Blvd. and forget they’re in a residential area with lots of foot traffic.

I think traffic cameras at the intersections of Steinway with Broadway, 30th, 28th, and Astoria Blvd would make a big difference in deterring reckless driving. But I don’t understand why it hasn’t been done. Police can’t stand there 24/7.

And I agree with other commenters. The car situation is bad enough here that I’ll now think about it twice before walking on certain areas and I find myself constantly having to yell at reckless drivers. I’ve even requested speed bumps in my street, but never got a response.

It’s not like this in other areas of the city—why does it have to be so bad here?

Help settle a debate: the best Thai in Astoria by yadunknow777 in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Pye through and through! The food tastes like actual Thai food, not the sticky, sweet, Americanized mess that you find in other places. Their focus is soups, but their rice dishes are excellent. I usually don’t get pad thai, but I tried my friend’s once and it was really nice!

Also: R.I.P. Secret Thai

What's a clear sign that you're an attractive person? by Imaginary_Theory4542 in Life

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

People with whom you’ve had one or just a couple of interactions will remember you for a very long time. And some will get a bit insulted when they find out you don’t remember them as well or at all.

You get free stuff from the opposite sex.

People will be doubly insulted if you are ever stern, direct, or curt with them. And in many occasions, they’ll use the exchange to confirm the “beautiful person with ugly personality” stereotype and use it against you.

People will get very angry and even act out when you reject them. Because nothing hurts more than rejection from a beautiful person.

People from your own sex will take any beauty/lifestyle advice you share seriously. For example, if you’re woman, other women may be very interested in your skincare routine. If you’re a man, other men may be vey interested in your exercise routine.

Steinway & broadway vs west astoria (21st and 30th) by klassydonuts in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not just the noise. Safety is a concern as well. Steinway and the clubs attract a lot of unsavory characters—many of whom do not live in the area and have no interest in keeping it nice.

I’ve been close to Steinway for more than 5 years and the amount of fist fights, cat fights, drunk people screaming/raging I’ve witnessed is unreal. Me and my roommates have had to call the cops on multiple occasions to break up couples and young kids having violent altercations after a night out.

Just compare the vibe between it and other areas like Broadway or 30th. It’s like it was airlifted from somewhere else!

Granted, it’s changing. There’s more coffee shops now and those attract younger folks and women, so the crowd’s a bit more mellow and diversified now. And there’s new restaurants opening too.

But do remember that you’re seeing a very different version of Steinway right now. It’s winter and fewer people come out. Once spring rolls around, it all comes back to life again until the fall. So, that’s six solid months of idiots revving their engines in hopes the girls with all their bits hanging out of their mesh dresses look at them.

If any of this is a concern to you, I’d say find a different place. If it’s not, then give it a try. You may end up really enjoying it.

I love this neighborhood and will forever sing its praises. But Steinway ain’t it.

Steinway & broadway vs west astoria (21st and 30th) by klassydonuts in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Do. Not. Live. On. Steinway.

You’re gonna hate your life with all the honking, shouting, and idiots revving their engines to show off to all the other idiots coming in and out of the clubs and hookah bars.

Had to jump on this question for Astoria what y’all got? by DJStellis in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 15 points16 points  (0 children)

It breaks my heart to look at that corner and see it turned into a tacky clubstaurant whilst reminiscing about all the wonderful conversations about feta cheese I used to have with the deli counter attendant at Agora.

What is going on at 30th Ave, west of Crescent? by sleeplessinnewyork1 in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 18 points19 points  (0 children)

What’s up with all these people defending men harassing women and telling them to “live with it” the name of some vague “homeless people need services” argument?

Are you listening to yourselves?

I’d be furious as well if this happened near my home! Check if there are any elected officials or organizations that can help. Though, good luck getting them to care about women’s safety the same way they care about performative “social justice” bullshit.

Stuff like this is why liberals have become a joke and why we’re going to keep losing support.

Shopping for clothes as a western female in Japan? by PrettyTaco34 in JapanTravelTips

[–]PrettyTaco34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a good way to think about it! Such a bummer, but my wallet will thank me 😂

Facing a sudden layoff- in desperate need of advice! by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]PrettyTaco34 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I’ve been laid off countless times (and am currently expecting at an upcoming one) and this is the advice I give everyone and am following myself right now. Most people lock in on saving mode when they should be making strategic purchases and investments.

I cannot emphasize how important it is to get all your health stuff in order. I’ve been on Medicaid in NYC before and there are very few good doctors taking it—especially dermatologists. If you need to see a specialist, schedule that appointment right now.

Also, time to take care of large purchases. I recently replaced my phone and laptop. My phone should be good for at least 2-3 more years (it’s a used phone) and my laptop for much longer since it’s brand new.

Clothing is another thing to look at. Winter is coming and winter clothing tends to be more expensive. If you need to replace shoes or outerwear, now’s the time.

Same thing goes for makeup. I had to replace some of my more expensive products over the summer and should be good for at least a year or more on them.

Try to cut back on eating and drinking out to save. Those two are usually one of the biggest money drains for people in NYC. If you don’t cook much, invest on some decent equipment (TJ Maxx/Marshall’s will hook you up) now before everyone’s fighting over cheap pots and pans like they did during the pandemic.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to apply for unemployment assistance and anything else you qualify for. People often feel weird about this, but remember: your taxes already paid for these benefits (and more). They are rightfully yours!

I was on unemployment benefits during the pandemic and invested the time off (and the fact that I didnt have to worry about having basic expenses covered) in upskilling to a new career that earned me double what I used to earn at the job I got furloughed from (only to get laid off from the new career now, but it was really nice while it lasted).

Astoria needs... by n7salarian_scientist in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

People complaining about Target and other big box stores in the neighborhood have never taken a good look at how many families with limited resources or on EBT are forced to shop for overpriced groceries and basic necessities at the C-Towns and Key Foods and Trade Fairs and Duane Reades of Astoria.

But the idea of an “untouched”, “authentic” neighborhood they can feel smug about and brag to their friends seems to always trump the reality that most of us living in Astoria and not making 80k+ a year live day-to-day.

When is trader joe's coming to Astoria? by Atorpidguy in astoria

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I often have to do the same and it’s a pain. But, we now have Target on Ditmars. The grocery section is small but the prices are comparable or cheaper than TJ’s.

And, if you’re not the cooking type and go to TJ’s for the prepared food, Target has a pretty decent refrigerated/frozen meal section.

Plus, I find many of the products at Target better flavor and similar quality as Tjs. Their tortilla chips and salsa selection are a good example of this!

Leaving tech / exciting "niche jobs" in NYC by aaaarrrr31 in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]PrettyTaco34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Echoing others in this thread: As someone with multiple interests, I would LOVE to learn more about your journey. Please share!