Elite Event: Studio Lot Affair at Astor Room & Kaufman Studios

This was my second queens event AND elite only event! It was a fantastic experience! Every time I go to Queens, clearly it’s not very often, I feel like an adventurer. There are many businesses to explore. In particular this event was very intimate. Not only, did we get to have cocktails and food on the set of Orange Is The New Black, but we were also treated to live music.
Astor Room, is just an incredible space. The staff is friendly and very entertaining. Their Wed night performances is something that will make me want to travel to queens. They also have weekend brunch which I will be sure to visit this summer! Finally, their bacon is DELICIOUS! Yes, I am a bacon lover, but seriously this is the best bacon I’ve ever had!
All I can say is thank you Unilocal and Jando for letting me attend this sweet Unilocal elite only event :)

Candied Bacon Strips.
Vegetarian/​Vegan?
Okay, CANDIED BACON STRIPS.
There were a lot of samples of food that came out including chicken skewers, steak on brioche, shrimp cocktail, etc. But the only thing I recall eating was CANDIED BACON STRIPS. No one even knew they were there until a handful of Unilocalers went to the center table in the middle of the studio lot out of curiosity which led to an onslaught of people coming in for the reach-​ins. Then most of the crowd were just off the shaded patio tables and right on the streets of the studio. LOL.
Bacon brings the boys/​girls to the yard. Truth.
The crowd was mixed most Asian but to be fair there were a good number of new people, new elites as well as familiar elites/​familiar people. Let’s just say it was intimate.
Having been to Astor Room at an earlier Unilocal Event some time ago, the outdoor settings which shares space with Kaufman Studio (a working film lot studio) gives me a new aspect of the Astor Room that I haven’t explored.
BRUNCH.
No, there weren’t any OITNB stars on set that night.
No, Clarice I mean Jodie Foster was not in attendance.
And no, we didn’t get to tour the actual film studio.
BUT, I will be back for brunch and those CANDIED BACON STRIPS. That is all.
Now, onto libations. Blood and Sand plays on that Dornish theme in Game of Thrones which was also my favorite drink of the night. The second drink was the Clara Bow which was good but that funky after taste was a little too much for me.
Buffalo Trace, our lovely bourbon sponsor for the event came by to snap some photos and of course many thanks for keep us lively, tipsy and having a good time.
Thanks to Jando for once again providing people a brief insight of why Queens is the best borough. I’m biased since I live there but even if I didn’t, I’d still stick with that statement.
The Elite life is sweet, when you can get into events.
I’ve said too much.
FAN.

What a cool Unilocal event! I arrived a bit late but didn’t miss out on too much. I was able to sample some of their bites and drinks. I loved the bacon and wished they made more throughout the night. It was not too sweet or fatty either. The quinoa on a cucumber slice was pretty refreshing and healthy. The chicken salad and bruschetta was a tasty bite. I missed out on the shrimp and chicken skewers unfortunately.
As the rain started to come down we just took the party to the Astor room. I definitely didn’t expect the restaurant to look like such a speakeasy with its sultry furniture and dim lights. Looks like a fun place to hang out especially with all the shows they have.
Drinks were pretty strong and flowing throughout the night. I enjoyed the «Clara bow» more probably because of the grenadine. The other drink was actually torched with fire before serving.
Overall fun night with fellow Unilocalers. It’s pretty cool to say that I was at a Unilocal event where Orange is the new black was filmed. Thanks Jandito!

Bacon. Yummy, maple glazed bacon. Am I dreaming?!
Sorry! Another amazing Queens event I was lucky enough to be part of. I love Queens because no matter how long I have worked in the borough, it always presents more hidden awesome spots I have yet to encounter. Kaufman Studios is right across from the Museum of the Moving Image. It is home to many famous movie sets and TV shows. That is pretty awesome… Being a HUGE TV/​movie buff, even being in the same vicinity that «Orange is the New Black» was filmed, gave me butterflies in my tummy. The movie/​TV posters on the outside of the building tell a story in themselves. This place has quite the illustrious background.
Besides feeling super awesome that I possibly was standing in the exact place Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie was filmed there) did, made me feel like a VIP! OR as I like to say, VIPTY (Very Important Place To Unilocal!) Besides, VIP-​TY is more fun to say!
We were treated to delicious food from the adjoining Astor Room. My ultimate favorite was the skirt steak served a top a bed of Caesar salad on a delicious flat bread-​y bite. WOW. I need the recipe!!! The quinoa cranberry blend with the fresh cucumber was an excellent treat as we enjoyed the sensual sounds of the live jazz duo that played for us outside. When I saw Chef Nate placing glasses filled with what looked like bacon, my interest was beyond peaked. I moseyed over and yes indeed — a bacon sample-​fest was going on. I swear this was the best fricking thing I have ever seen! We all may be shy to admit it but, who wouldn’t want a side of bacon! ME! Drinks were delish as always and the staff was beyond accommodating.
It started to drizzle but that never dampens a Unilocal event! We were ushered inside (if we wanted) to a downstairs area with a sprawling bar an an old fashioned feeling. Red velvet and gold welcomed us into the underbelly of the Astor Room. We were also invited to a free Broadway-​esque show. Wow. What a treat. I had to scoot so I missed the show but I know my comrades enjoyed it very much.
Besides the great people I always meet and get to reunite with every time, every event is super comfortable and friendly. Its pretty cool to know I belong to a community such as this.

This event took place outdoors at the The Kaufman Astoria Studios, which is a live studio («Orange is the New Black is filmed here) and made me feel like a star, hanging out with other A-​listers.
Astor Room provided light bites. I enjoyed the chicken salad on top of toast and the skewered pieces of chicken with balsamic vinaigrette on it. The bruschetta was also pretty tasty but the zucchini slices with quinoa on it was too salty for me (couldn’t finish it). There was also shrimp cocktail which I’m not a fan of, in general. The best treat of the night was the amazing thick cut candied maple bacon, which was deliciously crispy, wonderfully juicy and full of flavor. Pretty much the best bacon I have ever had. I would go back for the bacon alone!
There were 2 different cocktails to choose from, but I don’t drink so later I asked the bartender to make me a nonalcoholic version, which he did and it was sweet, delightful and refreshing.
I had a lovely time and really enjoyed the evening!

This outdoor event was held on the hallowed grounds of Kaufman Astoria Studios. A fantastic way to chill, albeit the clouds dampened our spirits. I promised I would never miss an event, and so I had arrived an hour late to the fun due to a conflict, however was able to manage trying the cocktails at least, not so much the food. When the venue moved indoors to Astor Room, a discreet Bar/​Cocktail Lounge set within the side of Kaufman Studios greeted us. It is just as I would have imagined my favorite lounge to be– Side rooms adorned with ample intimate seating.
Did I mention they have some really nice cocktails too? I saw the candied bacon passed around, which was super popular with the group. I met my fair share of Elites that don’t normally go to events, and that was a nice surprise. I can’t wait to return, as it definitely is an intimate little escape in the middle of Astoria.
Thanks to Astor Room and Unilocal Queens for entertaining us this fine evening.

Weather be damned, the turnout to the event and the output from the kitchen was still fantastic. Opting to take a leisurely stroll from mi apartamento as opposed to braving the mean streets of Astoria on my bike (in what I would imagine would have been a hellacious race to Kaufman Studios), I noticed the brewing of grey skies and chilly air. Some sentiments of my fellow Unilocalers were along the lines of, «I should have brought a jacket», or «it’s chilly», or I’m jealous she brought a jacket.” But despite the less than ideal weather and the unseasonable summer temperatures, plenty of food was served to help develop an extra layer of flab (to protect oneself from the «cold»)… or one could have opted to have a cocktail or five to warm oneself up (science stuff apparently).
First bite of the night was the chicken salad crostini/​bruschetta; I enjoyed it immensely and helped myself to a few more through the course of the night. Second: The quinoa (??) on the cucumber slice helped me feel as if I was eating healthy… so thanks there. Next I was able to try the chicken skewers (with balsamic and rosemary? Totally guessing right now); at any rate, they were super moist, which was impressive considering how easy it is to dry out white meat chicken (everyone knows that dark meat… as well as more darkly pigmented people… can handle heat and/​or sunlight, respectively, far better than their lighter counterparts). The diced tomato crostini/​bruchetta was also pretty damn tasty. However, I would be remiss not to mention the bacon. People came to our table to say «hi» just to get their paws on some sweet and salty scrumptious strips of the stuff. Do I blame them? No… well played sir/​madame.
In addition to small bites, there were two drinks that were made available to the masses. The super sweet Clara Bow… and the Game of Thrones-​y sounding-​in-​name Blood and Sand (Oberyn Martell would have totally drank this… SPOILERS… R.I.P.). I had both, enjoyed both, but ultimately preferred (I’m presuming, Miss) Clara Bow. Minty and refreshing… I wasn’t looking to get too soused, so this was the perfect drink to down by the glass (though I’m reading from a few of the other reviews that this one may have been the more boozy of the two).
The venue was great. As an adopted son of Astoria, I wasn’t as surprised as some of the others in attendance that this fine chunk of Queens has an actual working film studio (biked by it many times). If we ever have another event here in the studio lot, it would be awesome to bring +2s-+5s to fill up the entire space (a man can dream). However, the numbers made sense once we moved downstairs to the Astor Room (smaller, dimmer, classy).
It was great to see some Unilocalers I ain’t had the pleasure of running into for quite some time; some very interesting interactions to say the least… some playfully confrontational (due to possible misinterpretations…) and some bittersweet. Nevertheless, a good time.
A tip of the hat to the showrunners: Kaufman Studios and the Astor Room… massive daps for your hospitality. And once again, our fearless leader Jando (and team) have outdone themselves yet again. Get your own CM Jersey City, and stop borrowing ours! Being totally selfish there possibly, but that’s just the way it is.

Every Unilocal event I’ve attended thus far has felt like a production of sorts, so I suppose it was apropos that our last event should be hosted by none other than Astoria’s Kaufman Studios. Our accomplished director, Jando, drummed up a motley cast of Unilocalers from Queens (and other lesser boroughs) to create an intimate al fresco affair that was small in number but big on fun, including a live saxophonist and pianist that created mellifluous soundtracks while we partook of plentiful platters of food and drink.
The Astor Room provided the hors d’oeuvres, passing around chicken skewers, steak crostinis, shrimp cocktails, and chicken salad on toast. I helped myself to more than my fair share of vegetarian appetizers like the pickled quinoa on cucumber rounds. My personal favorite, the simple bruschetta with balsamic vinaigrette, proved just how lovely familiar and uncomplex foods can be. Perhaps our waiters exercised a sense of humor when they left the bowl of candied bacon at the vegan’s table but no complaints here! It sent lots of friendly Unilocalers flocking in our direction (yay for mingling!) and, judging from the consequential eye rolling and moans and delight, I would say this turned out to be one of the culinary highlights of the night.
Libations were provided by Buffalo Trace and our thirsty group had a choice of two cocktails. I preferred the fruitier ‘Clara Bow’, which rounded out the bite of whiskey with just enough grenadine and lemon juice. The gory sounding ‘Blood and Sand’ turned out to be a rather innocuous mixed whiskey drink with orange juice, which I appreciated far more later on in the night when I saw the bartender preparing EVERY SINGLE TASTING CUP by lighting a small citrus peel above it. Considering the fact that no less (and likely more) than fifty drinks had made their rounds among us over the course of the night, it became clear that they take their drinks seriously here.
When Mother Nature threatened to rain on our parade, our table spent a few seconds conspiring ways to sneak into the set of Orange Is The New Black (which is apparently being shot here), but after our efforts were rebuffed by stern security guards, we followed everyone into the Astor Room proper, which is a garden-​level bar/​restaurant. A quick flight downstairs led to a dimly lit space with lots of tables and seats and a long bar with more stools around it. While there, another Unilocaler mused that the Astor Room would serve as a promising space for a first date, an assessment with which I would agree.
Though I wasn’t able to infiltrate any live sets, this was a fabulous soirée nonetheless. Thanks for another wonderful Unilocal event!

Another awesome event in Queens! We hung out at the Kaufman Studio lot at tables under large umbrellas with a live saxophone player setting the mood. We lucked out with the lack of rain and comfortable temperatures outside.
The drinks were very well made with Buffalo Trace; your choice of Clara Bow or Blood and Sand. Blood and Sand had a very well rounded flavor and aromatic orange oils to enlighten the senses while Clara Bow was a bit sweeter and refreshing with a bit of mint: both great selections to imbibe for the night.
The bites include candied bacon which a whole large portion was left on our table! Talk about yumminess overload! Then came the Quinoa topped cucumber, shrimp cocktail, sliced steak on toast, chicken salad on toast, grilled chicken skewers topped with balsamic, and a tomato bruschetta.
It was interesting learning about the history of the spot from being the original Paramount studios, to today where Orange is the New Black is filmed.
We then moved the party downstairs to a very classy looking space to wind down the night. Overall, thanks again Jando and the Unilocal team for another winner. Thank you to Kaufman Studios, The Astor Room, and Buffalo Trace as well. Queens is definately the place to be!

My intuition tells me to still go to this event even though the Elite that I personally know may not able to meet up with me. Glad I did listen to my own intuition. I had the best Wednesday night ever.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a nice evening surrounded with Elites who I swear to God are the coolest people on earth. Jando welcomed me with a contagious smile and big hug as I walked in which made me feel like he has known me his whole life. This is my second elite Unilocal event, met new Elites that welcome me wholeheartedly to the community and eventually the night ended with numerous add in to my friends list.
The whole back lot that was dedicated entirely to us made me feel like we are one special group. A safeguarded place. The event site which was between the famous original and add in studio gave me that ambiance feeling as if I am a movie star on shooting break. Needless to say, the venue is such a cool place to hang out especially with the kind of entertainment that was provided.
Well, the real party started when the waitstaff In their simplicity started asking us to try out their famous appetizers and drinks.
Listed below as based on the sequence of bites :
1. Chicken salad sandwich — creamy, filling
2. Colossal shrimp cocktail — large size piece, great sauce
3. Burrrata caprese– bruschetta look and taste alike
4. Quinoa– whatever is on top of the cucumber is too salty for me
5. Chicken skewer– I need double dressing serving for that Chef!
6.Steak frites– good as it looks
7. Lastly — candied bacon– elites favorite for the night and can’t help trying it more than once, thrice perhaps:)
Two variety of cocktails drinks were served with a touch of their famous bourbon whisky mixed with either OJ or lemon juice. Both exemplary good though I preferred the later.
After the event, we were invited to continue the evening affair downstairs, by the bar, and requested to stay for a show.
Overall experience was superb. I thank Jando and his team for a wonderful evening and hopefully will be able to attend the next scheduled preferred event. To the Kaufman Studio staff, we thank you for your hospitality.
I will definitely consider your place for my next personal affair.
The place is highly recommended.

DAMN! was the first thought that slipped into my mind as I carelessly fumbled into this event, this venue was absolutely gorgeous and extremely stylish, but words honestly do not do it justice. With live music, an outdoor space impeccably decorated and an entire street which seemed cut off and secluded solely for the benefit of the Unilocal elites who showed, this event was the epitome of class and elegance.
hor d’oeuvres were served along with drinks at the event. They had a selection of chicken salad on toast, shrimp cocktail, Quinoa on cucumber, bruschetta, Chicken skewer drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, but the star of the show was the candied bacon which was absolutely phenomenal.
the venue was later moved down to the astor room, and again I was impressed. the deliberate design of the place makes you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1920’s into a smokey jazz club, with an open bar, various live performances, and the company of my fellow lovely Unilocalers, this event was truly one for the ages.
A huge round of applause to the owner and staff of the astor room, the Queens Unilocal team and of course Jando, this event really took the cake

I arrive promptly for my 6:00pm «call time» to the set of the Astor Room @ Kaufman Studios to find the one only Jando working the door and diligently checking in the crew. I immediately notice that the stage is set for quite a scene — a duo of piano and saxophone create the mood as large umbrellas overhang multiple elegant tables and chairs. The space defined by large planters of plants, flowers and palm leaves to make for a warm and inviting patio. I must say I have been on worst sets!
I did not notice the clap of the «clapperboard», but shortly after we arrive we are all playing our, by now, familiar roles of fortunate recipients as servers pass around samples of bourbon based drinks and some of the most elegant, tasty, pass around bites I ever tried!
Although Buffalo Trace bourbon does not need any embellishment the first drink I tried is the «Blood and Sand», which according to the «call sheet» was made with house made grenadine, st. Germain, and fresh lemon. It was a bit too tart and sweet for my tastes, with an acerbic bite being a bit overwhelming to the balance of the cocktail.
I much preferred the «Clara Bow», with its mix of cherry Heering liquor, sweet vermouth, and orange juice which reminded me of a bright and fresh «old fashioned» due to the orange color and it also being served with an orange peel. I could drink these elegant libations all night! (and I did, lol).
(I may have the drink names mixed up? not sure, but all I know red drink not as good as the orange one. I like what I like)
The food was plentiful with servers providing tray after tray of various bites. I enjoyed the perfectly rare steak which was served on bread rounds, the simply elegant chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce, quinoa on top of cucumber slice all three being some of the best bites of the night, but the knock out winner has to be the candied bacon. The candied bacon was smokey and sweet perfection of thick cut bacon — incredible!
As the skies threatened we were invited downstairs to the main space which has a beautiful, elegant feel of an old fashioned speakeasy. An attractive space, which I can see myself returning to and bringing friends that enjoy well made cocktails and food. It’s a classy affair and good vibe in this place for sure.
I want to thank all that made this production possible — Jando, being a most gracious and accommodating CM spreading Queens love as always! Chef «Natty» Felder and the entire staff at the Astor Room a top notch, incredible performance!
There you have it — THAT’S A WRAP!

I haven’t been drinking much these days but one sip of that blood and sand and I couldn’t stop. It was so smooth. There was plenty of it too. Bartender and servers were extremely efficient and awesome.
I got to Kaufman a tad late but was quickly checked in and immediately directed to a table with the remaining pieces of some incredible bacon. INCREDIBLE! That piggy must have been on a candy diet. Other small bites offered included quinoa cucumber bites, chicken salad, tomato and steak bruschetta and shrimp cocktail. Good stuff. It was an intimate crowd in the backlot with some awesome live music to set the tone. Wonderful.
Another evening spent in great company. Got myself some new Unilocal swag as well. Thanks so much for having me Unilocal NYC, Astor Room and Kaufman Studios!
That bacon though..

Oh that Candy Bacon! It’s so good that it should be illegal. I’m ready to commit a crime and join Orange is the New Black if they serve bacon like this. It was a nice thick piece of sweet bacon. It was just a right balance of taste and texture. It was all the rave during the event. Clearly the best bacon that I had in a long time.
I tried both the «Blood and Sand» and «Clara Bow». After a couple of these drinks, you can see why these disappear so fast. The Blood and Sand was very smooth and delicious. The Clara Bow was the stronger drink. It threw me a punch when I took a sip. I was impressed. Props to the mixologist
The Astor Room is very elegant and I enjoyed the décor &atmosphere. After hearing about what goes on here at the Astor Room with their musical/​theater acts, it’s worth checking out. Definitely bookmarking.
Thanks to Jando, Unilocal team, Astor Room, Kaufman Studio, the waitress/​waitor, and the talented piano player. It was a magnificent evening at a historical studio– such great history. I secretly wanted elmo to show up so I could get a selfie. Oh childhood bucket list… I know it’s on your list as well. Nevertheless, a great event w/​amazing company. It was great to see familiar faces and meet new ones.

Two Unilocal events in one week and back to back? I am spoiled! And they are currently filming «Orange is the New Black» series here. So cool!
Such a great event! It was a great turnout and I got to see so many fellow Unilocalers. Upon arrival, I was given two choices of drinks. Bites came out shortly after. There were bruschetta, mini chicken salad, cucumber bites, shrimp, bacon, and so much more! My favorite was the bacon — because Jando made them! (Jando cannot confirm or deny this.)
There was also live music for us. And I completely agree with what they said at the event: once you visit Queens, you never want to leave! The staff worked really hard for the event. And I absolutely enjoyed it! Thank you so much to Jando and the staff for tonight!

The food, drinks, and staff were excellent.
The candied bacon was a big hit. Usually I hate savory and sweet mixed together but this was so good! The cucumber with quinoa was refreshing.
The drinks were really tasty and boozy. If that bourbon drink were full-​sized it could really do a number on you.
The Astor Room is beautiful and they have so many fun-​sounding events going on between the jazz brunches and live music at night.
The music was delightful.
Thank you to Jando, Astor Room, and Kaufman Studios for a great Wednesday night!