The Wharf from the water. Copyright 2011 Vivian R. Carter

The summer media campaign for my book, Images of America: Rockaway Beach, closes on a high note, thanks to Aunt Abby’s historic bayfront clam chowder house.  Today’s New York Times Dining Section features an article and photo spread, “Where Pirates Can Dock and Dine in New York.”

The piece, written by Daniel Maurer, includes images shot at local bayfront restaurants by Daniel Krieger. Area establishments profiled are Thai Rock, Bungalow Bar, Bayview, and The Wharf.

Maurer’s review is critical of the fish taco wrappers at the Wharf. But he fails to mention the most pertinent point–the filling is fresh Long Island cod filets, not refreshed tilapia.

Don’t miss the slide show on the Times web page, as well.  I had run into Maurer at a Bungalow Bar book signing in July, and he graciously purchased a copy so he could inform himself about the peninsula’s history.  Maurer cited me and my book as the source for details on the history of waterfront dining dating back to Rockaway’s earliest days.  Enjoy his in-depth coverage of our neighborhood by clicking on this link:  http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/08/29/dining/20120829-BAY.html?ref=dining

Dining Room at the magical bay-front venue, Thai Rock. Copyright 2011 Robert F. Carter

Other exceptional media coverage–the July 27 interview on WFUV 90.7 FM’s public service program, Cityscapes.  Listen to the full 30-minute audio program by clicking here: http://www.wfuv.org/news/cityscape/120728/cityscape-rock-rock-rockaway-beach  There’s also a fun 2 minute teaser from WFUV’s Facebook page, if you click here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJyDkT85AzA

The July 12 New York Daily News feature on my book by Lisa Colangelo, with a photo by Jeff Bachner, was also very complimentary. Read it here:  http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/new-book-details-role-rockaway-pioneers-article-1.1112288

I also have to mention the piece that got it all started, a double-page spread on the cover of the Forest Hills Ledger Q Guide of June 28. Read it by clicking this link:  http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2012/26/rockawaybeachauthor_all_2012_06_28_q.html

Of course, several articles and complimentary commentary have also been written in The Wave and The Rockaway Point News.   A glowing review was published by the website RockawayMemories.com. http://rockawaymemories.com/RockawayBeachBookReview.htm

All in all, the reception of my book by the citywide print and electronic media has been overwhelming.  I am proud to have made this contribution to the literature about my hometown.  Thanks to everyone who has purchased the book.  Thanks also to the Silver Gull Club of Breezy Point for hosting my Campus at the Pool adult education series in July and August. I apologize that I was not able to conduct some planned walking tours of Rockaway Beach over the summer.  The street repairs have made it too hazardous to do this.

In September, I plan to launch a 6-week local history book club for residents. We will be reading five titles on the history of Rockaway, and perusing several interesting historical pamphlets.   During the month of October, I will be delivering a lecture at the Queens Historical Society in Flushing,  conducting a program at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Fresh Meadows in conjunction with the public history classes at St. John’s University, and delivering one of the presentations in the Herbert Johnson Lecture Series at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Dates will be announced soon.