“I honestly can’t believe we launched seven years ago,” Queens Night Market founder John Wang said. “It feels like yesterday but also like a lifetime ago. Little did I know that this would become such an all-consuming, inescapable and integral part of my life. Even more unimaginable back then, considering the countless amazing things this city has to offer, is that some people would come to call this a ‘New York City institution.’ In any case, we’ll work through the jitters and plan for contingencies the best we can because we are so, so excited to see the beautiful smiles and to hear the wonderful laughs of New Yorkers here again.”

Macy’s held its annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. People gathered at Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City to enjoy this show. Additionally, Event Cruises NYC offered cruises during the show, complete with food and drinks for a complete celebration. The show was also covered live on NBC.

People were also invited to gather at Astoria Park Great Lawn on Shore Boulevard for an Independence Day Celebration fireworks event on June 29. Hosted by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition Inc., the event also featured a performance by Long Island-based Swingtime Big Band.

These Queens eateries are participating in 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week

In total, 440 restaurants across the city took part in the event, including 21 restaurants based in Queens. Throughout the event restaurants offered multi-course, prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner for $29, $39 or $59, dependent on an establishment’s price point.

“NYC Restaurant Week has become a treasured tradition,” NYC & Company Culinary Committee Co-Chair David Burke said. “I’ve participated since the first one in 1992. It’s always been a tremendous way for people to experience restaurants they’ve never been to, including some of the top restaurants in the world, by making them so accessibly priced. This year it takes on a new role as being the perfect reason for people to connect and communicate in person over a great meal, while supporting the hard-hit restaurant industry.”

Astoria was represented during the event by Addy’s Barbecue at 30-94 Steinway St., Anassa Taverna at 28-10 Astoria Blvd., Burger Village at 40-17 Broadway, De Mole Astoria at 4220 30th Ave., Fresco’s Cantina at 12-14 31st Ave., Hutch Astoria at 35-07 31st Ave., Meet the Meat at 23-92 21st St., Sac’s Place at 35-11 35th Ave. and Vite Vinostera at 31-05 34th St.

Forest Hills restaurants that took part in the event this year include Guantanamera Restaurant at 110-80 Queens Blvd., Keuka Kafe at 112-04 Queens Blvd., MoCA Asian Bistro at 107-18 70th Rd., Queens Bully at 113-30 Queens Blvd. and Tuscan Hills at 110-60 Queens Blvd.

Ricky’s Cafe, located at 75-02 37th Ave., represented Jackson Heights. Long Island City was represented by Adda, located at 31-31 Thomson Ave. London Lennie’s, at 63-88 Woodhaven Blvd., was the lone Rego Park restaurant to participate. The one Rockaways restaurant to take part was Bar Marseille, found at 190 Beach 69th St. Senso Unico, located 43-04 47th Ave., was the only Sunnyside restaurant to participate. Finally, Woodhaven was represented by Neir’s Tavern, located at 87-48 78th St.

Additionally, Bareburger had five locations across Queens take part in the event. These spots included 33-21 31st Ave. and 23-01 31st St. in Astoria, 42-38 Bell Blvd. in Bayside, 7149 Austin St. in Forest Hills and 48-19 Vernon Blvd. in Long Island City.

Hit CBS show ‘Blue Bloods’ films in Rego Park

“I’m an old hand at catching TV/movie filmings whether in the city or in my area,” said Rego Park resident Andrew Sklover, who captured a video of the scene being filmed. “It’s exciting when Hollywood comes to your ‘hood. There’s a buzz in the air.”

Starring Tom Selleck as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, “Blue Bloods” follows a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to law enforcement in New York City. The show premiered in September 2010.