Some quick local items

• An Integrated Services Shelter for victims of domestic violence - the Queens Family Justice Center - opened in Kew Gardens, funded by none other than Joe Torre, whose mother was a victim of domestic violence. This will be a “one stop shopping” center for all facets of support, including legal, medical and pastoral services.
• Deadline for voter registration to vote in the Primaries is August 15. Besides that “other” political race going on right now, the entire New York State Legislature is up for election. (I’m sure you knew that already…)

And, appropos of nothing….

• Liza MInelli and Christopher Cross performed FOR FREE in Coney Island, Thursday, August 7, 2008, at 7:30 PM. Shows held at Asser Levy/Seaside Park at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue, across the street from the New York Aquarium. I know it’s not nabe-related, but I just had to post it!! Argh, too bad I couldn’t go!!

Just some quick notes today. I will follow up soon with reviews of Yogomonster, PJ’s Steakhouse and a full report on the Queens Boulevard safety press conference.

• Forest Hills girl wins Queens Library mascot-naming contest!! Now, “Readaleena the Reading Bug” buzzes through books this summer! Awww, she is so cute! (Photo from Queens Courier)

• Transformer in front of Key Food at 71st Road and north side on QB blows up on Sunday morning.  Some power lost in wee hours of the morning. Con Ed on scene most of day.

• Barbara Corcoran calls Forest Hills “idyllic.” No hint of her previous advice to pave paradise and put up a driveway. (Scroll down)
• QueensCentral blog continues with Broadway musical themes in its post titles.

QB’s On the Grill aims to be the Nathan’s of falafel.

Grub Street finally makes it to FoHi in its long slog down the F line, hurls the usual epithets at the nabe and actually visits Tokyo Teriyaki, which I have never even really seriously considered entering.

Uzbek kebab fans, meet your new god. Not noted by Grub Street: They serve “HOT LUNCH & DINER.”

Most surprising news of 2008, maybe ever: elite New York Times party girl Jenny 8. Lee eats in Rego Park! And not even at a kebab joint!

The openings and closings continue on Austin.

Hope you love that chicken from Popeye’s! I know what it says, I know, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Great Year in Review-type piece from Splitting Hairs in Forest Hills.

The Forest Hills dentist-killing suspect has been officially indicted.