A Note on My Ex-Favorite Pizza Spot in Kew Gardens

Several days before Christmas I was about to drive down to Virginia to see my family. They have been here before and loved Dani's pizza and asked me to grab a pie and bring it down with me. So, at noon on Wednesday December 23rd, I went in to Dani's to get what my family asked for. They weren't open yet and several of the employees were carrying boxes and food, etc from their basement to the front door so I stood there patiently, opening the door for each guy coming through for a good 20 minutes. I left to run another errand and came back 20 minutes later. There were three people there eating slices, there were 8 cooked, full size pies on the rack and two full sized out behind the glass. I told the pizza maker that I need one full sized pie to bring to my family in Virginia and he refused! He said he was too busy and that I could only have 4 slices because it was $1.25 per slice Wednesday. I told him I would pay full price and he stated he was "too busy" and would not give me one of the ten full sized pies there and was quite rude about the whole thing. Anyway, I have not had Dani's since and although I miss it, I will try to not support them if they believe they can treat their customers like trash.... The Pizza is good, but isn't that good!

CHOWHOUND Thread on Bagels in Queens

Best Bagels in Queens?

I'm seaching for the best & freshest bagel in Queens. I've read about a lot of places that have good or decent bagels, but haven't found many posts about bagels that people LOVE. My personal favorite is Ess A Bagel in Manhattan because of their freshness and doughiness to crispness ratio. Any suggestions would be great!

See the entire thread HERE. 

NYC Summer 2009 Outdoor Dining Guide

We are putting together an extensive outdoor dining guide for Spring/Summer 2009 which will include Kew Gardens and Forest Hills and select extraordinary spots in Astoria, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Manhattan. In the mean time, find info below on local outdoor dining spots. Please let us know if we have missed anywhere. 

Kew Gardens:

Mood - Two small tables outdoors (New American Food) 

Austin's Steak and Ale House - Large outdoor area (Steak and Bar Fare) 

Bliss Gourmet Cafe - Several small tables outdoors (Breakfast and Lunch/Coffee) 

Tu Casa - Several tables outdoors and umbrella cover (Spanish/Latin American) 

L'Angolo - Several tables and umbrellas outdoors  (Italian/Pizza) 

Spolini's - Several tables outdoors (Italian/Family Style) 

Kew Club - Several tables outdoors and umbrella cover (Bar fare) 

Forest Hills:

Theatre Cafe - Large outdoor area (American fare/Salads/Pizza) 

Jade - Several tables outdoors (Thai food) 

Q Thai Bistro - Several tables outdoors (Thai food) 

Tokyo Teriyaki - See eateryROW post (Japanese food) 

My Kitchen - 100 seat outdoor garden (Seasonal/International) 

Narita - Large Outdoor seating area (Japanese) 

Uno Chicago Grill - Pizza

Corfu - Greek

Ripe - Juice Bar

Cabana - New Latin Food

Piu Bello - Gelato

Bliss Gourmet Cafe Back on the Scene! (new and improved 2.0 version)

Not having Bliss cafe for the last week was a real downer for Kew Gardens. Our only cafe, place to sit and read the paper with good music, people and atmosphere, place to get a good coffee or tea, bagels and muffins in the morning and sandwiches and soup for lunch, a place to sit down and relax or quickly run off to your train with your goodies. After a small hiatus due to some minor building related problems Bliss is back on the scene and better than ever. The changes they have implemented while closed make it much more attractive and clean now, especially that warm weather is upon us and their outdoor tables are a great spot to hang out at. Bliss has also started a Spring Special for the month of May for its   customers giving them 10% off their bills! Just mention that you read this article! 

Also, Bliss's hours have been extended for the weekends and they will be open past 9pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. 

One more exciting thing - the owner is thinking of having a small wine and cheese board selection for evenings. So, we are doing a small survey for them in order to gauge interest in this. Please respond here with your thoughts of having a small selection of wines, and several cheese plates with bread and fruit, etc, available at Bliss in the evenings. I for one am ALL over it and I really hope she does it soon. 

Bliss Gourmet Cafe is located at the Kew Gardens LIRR station at 82-60 Austin Street. (718) 849-7647

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

!Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Just as a reminder - today is NOT Mexico's Independence day. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican Army's defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. (Hence the poblano pepper above, originating from Puebla, which seems like a more fitting icon than a sombrero) Since we are definitely lacking in serious Mexican restaurants around here, here is a short list of things to do tonight for the Cinco de Mayo Celebration. 

Tu Casa Restaurant will be having a DJ, beers 5 for $20, free tequilas shots all night, the Corona models will be coming by, dinner and food specials and giveaways! I have eaten there and can say it is great food and an awesome atmosphere. 

 

Cocina Latina is hosting its one year anniversary sponsored by Presidente Light Cinco de Mayo bash with live music, a DJ, and drink specials. Haven't eaten here but it has gotten good reviews and the atmosphere is pretty cool. 

5 burro Cafe who I thought would have something happening told me that it is just regular specials tonight.  Good stuff. 

Garcia's, or Sgt. Garcia's as they are seemingly listed, told me they were too busy to tell me what they had going on tonight. I told them I was offering free advertising for their Cinco de Mayo events, and the manager repeated to me that he is "too busy" to tell me.  strange place..

You can also always go over to Roosevelt avenue in Woodside and Jackson Heights, between 61st street and 94th street, where there about 40 Mexican restaurants and bars, all really original. 

Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares in Forest Hills!

Apparently the tv show Kitchen Nightmares hosted by Gordon Ramsay is filming this week at a restaurant in Forest Hills that I have always driven past but have never tried, and the fact that the show is there makes me think I'm lucky I haven't! PJ's Steakhouse is the name and it is at 73-11 Yellowstone Blvd in Forest Hills. The signs all over the street say they will be filming from May 2 - 8. We're hoping to be able to go to the opening night dinner there after Ramsay revamps the place. 

As a side note, if you're a fan of Ramsay, as I am, you should get a kick out of this below video if you have not already seen it. (Offensive but bleeped language)

Taste of Forest Hills 2009 Review

I've experienced that anywhere I go where I am greeted with a cold Guinness Draught from the tap normally turns out to be a pretty good time. That adage was, yet again, proven true at the Taste of Forest Hills 2009 on Saturday. The Guinness, generously poured by The Tap House, definitely started the mood out right for this event, the third annual supporting children's programs at the Community House. Although lacking in flare this event provided a wide variety of foods and beverages from a good selection of our local Forest Hills restaurants. We arrived at 1pm, the starting time listed, at which point many of the participating restaurants were just getting there as well. This provided us a bit of time to mingle and check out the facilities, which were impressive. After it seemed that everyone was setup we started our grazing at the first vendor which was Austin street's Tap House. It took me a couple minutes to consume my tasty Guinness beverage and then we sampled a nice version of Shepherds Pie which was homemade and not too greasy like many a Shepherds Pie are. I passed on the wings as not to fill up too quick. 

Pampas Argentinas was next and we tasted both beef and chicken empanadas and a chorizo sausage with mixed peppers. The empanadas were excellent and had a very juicy and tasty filling though a bit dough heavy on the sides. The chorizo seemed to be grilled then cut into bite sized pieces and mixed with the peppers and onions and was good but could have been grilled a bit longer for my tastes. 

Next was La Tavernetta. There was eggplant ravioli with ricotta that was made very uniquely almost like a shumai crimped at the top rather than the edges, in a light tomato sauce. They also had a thick bucatini or perciatelli pasta with a very good bolognese sauce. The sauce was probably not as traditional as an original bolognese as it had a heavy tomato base but this is how I make mine as well (adapted from a recipe from my Italian chef friend Carmella in Rome) I would rate the sauce a 10 out of 10 that beats most bolognese sauces I have tasted outside of Italy. They also had a good but plain sausage and peppers with chunks of chicken. No complaints there but nothing spectacular. 

Next was Danny Brown. Now let me say that I have eaten at Danny Brown and I know others that have as well and we have all raved about the food, atmosphere, staff, etc. I suppose that it is much harder to make great food then to have to transport it and I think this is where Danny Brown may have gotten lost yesterday. They served a nice gazpacho with a dollop of creme fraiche, a pate on crostini, a gorgonzola stuffed fig and a seared tuna chunk on cucumber slices. Each of the items was just fine but not what I expected out of DB's. The gazpacho was zesty and fresh but lacking some taste and could have benefited from some chopped chives or scallion on top. The same for the pate. It was good, tasted light and airy like a goose pate but again, lacked something. I was thinking I may have drizzled a drop of honey on top. The stuffed figs, in my opinion, should have been lightly heated so the gorgonzola was a bit melty. The tuna tasted good but on the cucumber was not as appealing both taste wise and visually. If in fact the cucumbers were very crunchy, maybe the skin should have been left on, then it may have worked for me yet, alas, they were not crunchy. I look forward to going back to Danny Brown and enjoying what they do best, and better than most, - kitchen to table service in their own restaurant. 

The next table was my favorite of all. MoCA Asian Bistro had a very appealing spread of sushi, rolls, spring rolls, calamari and all of the sauces and dips to accompany each. Not only was everything meticulously presented and explained but was also delicious. My favorite item on their table, and the event as a whole, was the salmon carpaccio. Granted this is not something very difficult to prepare nor so original BUT their adaptation and preparation was flawless. Very fresh and colorful thin salmon slices were wrapped around some micro greens and a light sauce was drizzled on top. I would go to MoCA just for this item but all of their others were great as well especially the duck spring rolls with their sweet dipping sauce. 

Among our other favorites was Q Thai Bistro who served several dishes including their crisp walnut chicken, London Lennies who served an extraordinary seared scallop over fresh corn, and Bonfire Grill who made one of the best barbecue sandwiches and slaw I have had north of Virginia. 

Overall the event was a hit. Although the cost was a little much for what you get, a comment I have seen by other attendees over the years. At $40 per ticket, $30 for community house members, I think that there should have been more offerings including at least a full glass of wine, some take away items, etc. $20 seems more in line to me but the money goes for a great cause for Forest Hills Community House Children's programs and the opportunity to eat, meet and mingle on this perfect Spring Saturday afternoon in Forest Hills made it worth the while. 

Taste of Forest Hills 2009 Today! - 5/2

Today were off to the 2009 Taste of Forest Hills at the Community House in Forest Hills Gardens - http://www.thecommunityhouse.net/ It is from 1 - 4 pm, address is 15 Borage Place Forest Hills Gardens. For more info click HERE. We will be posting a complete review of the event afterwards. Hope to see some KGB readers there! 

Restaurant Closings and Violations

Amidst several recent local restaurant closings by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene I was prompted to check out their website which lists all local restaurants and their past inspection details. Each establishment's report features a number which is the total amount of violation points that the particular restaurant obtained at last inspection. The higher the number, the more and more serious violations that establishment incurred, the lower that number, the lesser and less serious amount of violations that establishment incurred. Most restaurants receive the report and either fix the problems on the spot or are ordered to do so. Other restaurants have such serious violations that the restaurant is immediately closed. The average violation points a restaurant receives in NYC is 16 and normally the restaurants in this range have incurred violations for issues that are less gross or pertinent to actual food quality and safety such as "Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained." But in many cases the violations are pretty gross and do directly relate to the quality and safety of the food we are consuming there such as "Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas." For Kew Gardens and Forest Hills restaurants several have average violation scores, several have below or very below(very good) ( The Village Diner has 0!) and a majority have higher (worse) violation point scores. To see the inspection reports for area code 11415 click HERE. For 11375 click HERE. 

Obviously, running a restaurant is not an easy job and there are areas that many restaurants get cited for that are difficult to manage or even notice. BUT, as seen from several examples on the above lists there are busy restaurants that have very low scores, 0 - 5 violation points, which shows that it is certainly possible and feasible to fully comply with the DOH standards. We are not suggesting that anyone boycott the restaurants with high violations, eat wherever you like, but we are encouraging local restaurants who have had higher scores to, first, get your act together, and second, write to us here and let us know how you are working to lower those scores and what exactly your business has done since the last inspection to combat the problems. We will gladly post your statement here for all of your customers to read.  

We eat at local restaurants very frequently and we talk to a lot of people here who do as well. The community really wants good quality restaurants here and will support them. But if restaurant owners are not willing to keep up the set standards then we want to let everyone know who those restaurants are so our money is better spent at an establishment who appreciates its customers and shows it by keeping their business up to the standards set by the DOH. Ideally, I would like to see a "Golden Apple" in the window of all of the restaurants I eat at. - See information on the Golden Apple Program HERE. 

Excellent Article on NY Green Market Culture - 4/26

In the below article they say that this farm brings its products to a Green Market at Atlas Park Mall.... Apparently this market starts in June. I am checking on it today to see if it is coming back there this year given the problems there. 

From Gardening to Farming: A Glimpse of Long island's Gardens of Eve Farm. 

Not Eating Out in New York - noteatingoutinny.com

Not so long ago, I tended to associate Long Island with being stuck in squawking traffic on the LIE and guys in wifebeaters who wouldn’t think to eat an apple if the tree plopped one in his hand. True, the eastern trail of New York City never exactly conjured an agrarian idyll, replete with rustic farmstands and coastal pastures producing everything from grass-fed beef to tasty wines. But perhaps that’s just the Jersey in me speaking (ironic as it may seem, New Jersey and Long Island kids have a long, stupid rivalry). Because after a trip out to Garden of Eve organic farm in Riverhead, I was introduced to a world of old-school farming values being led for the most part by young and fresh-thinking pioneers.

Read the Entire Article Here. 

Taste of Forest Hills 2009 - 5/2

KBG has not had the chance to attend the Taste of Forest Hills event in the past but luckily we will be in attendance this year! This is the third annual "Taste" at The Community House in Forest Hills Gardens featuring samples from Forest Hill's best restaurants (click here for the list.) As one of the fastest growing culinary communities in NYC, Forest Hills has become a real destination for food lovers from all over the city. A charming and vibrant atmosphere and a large variety of top class establishments has been the catalyst to Forest Hills popularity and the best of the best will be featured at this event. As well as tasting some excellent food and mingling with Forest Hills residents and business owners, profits from this event will benefit an excellent cause in the Community House Children's Programs. Afterwards KGB will post a complete review of the event as well as the individual restaurants and businesses featured. See you there! 

Sweet! Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night - 4/29

Baskin-Robbins is hosting its third annual 31 Cent Scoop Night celebration on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Ice cream lovers across the borough and all of New York City will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite Baskin-Robbins flavor for only 31 cents while paying tribute to local fire heroes of all ages. On April 29, America’s favorite neighborhood ice cream shop is partnering with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the nation’s leading non-profit association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. 

As part of the event, Baskin-Robbins will make a $100,000 donation to the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program, which provides departments and youth alike with the resources, tools, and information they need to help develop, grow, enhance, promote, and participate in their local junior firefighter program. During the event, Baskin-Robbins stores will reduce prices of ice cream to 31 cents to honor America’s firefighters and the youth who are donating their time to become a firefighting hero. Participating Baskin-Robbins stores will help raise additional funds for local firehouses by inviting fire departments to the event to collect donations. 

For 64 years, Baskin-Robbins has captured taste buds worldwide with unique, fun, and delicious ice cream flavors. Ice cream enthusiasts should not hesitate to take part of this special offer. 

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/31cent

NYC Green Market in Kew Gardens- II

We have had a lot of interest and inquiries on this topic so we're posting some important information and contacts for getting a Green Market / Farmer's Market to Kew Gardens/Forest Hills: 

Community Markets

www.communitymarkets.biz/index.php

Since 1991, farmers markets developed and managed by Community Markets have been successfully serving all three purposes – making locally-grown produce and locally-made products readily available and, at the same time, providing an ideal place for the community to come together to share news and gossip, thoughts, and ideas, and improving nutrition.

Farmers’ Market Federation of New York www.nyfarmersmarket.com A non-profit organization for farmers’ market organizers, farmers and communities interested in starting markets. Offers conferences, newsletter, health insurance, insurance coverage for farmers’ market vendors and for market sites as well.

Department of Agriculture and Markets
www.agmkt.state.ny.us
Information on markets and farmers in NY State. You can look for farms in a particular part of the state as well as specifying the product you are searching for.

Community Food and Agriculture Program
www.cfap.org
Clearing house for innovative programs in the state for sustainable agriculture practices from Cornell University.

Regional Farm and Food Project
www.farmandfood.org
Not-for-profit organization that offers information about local farms including farm tours, conferences, informative newsletter and networking.

Farm to Table
www.farmtotable.org
An organization that helps link farm producers to their customer. Lists local farms with their contact information and what they produce. Spotlights individual farmers and links to articles on sustainable farming issues.

Slow FoodUSA
www.slowfoodusa.org
Slow Food is an educational organization that promotes the proliferation of regional and seasonal culinary traditions as a way to preserve culture and ecologically sound food production.

FoodRoutes Network
www.foodroutes.org
Foodroutes.org is a website that was created by the Food Routes Network a national nonprofit organization that provides a wealth of educational materials focused on rebuilding our local food systems.

Valley Table Magazine
www.valleytable.com
A magazine focusing on local farming, culinary interests and farm marketers.

Eating Fresh Publications
www.eatingfresh.com
Eating Fresh publications is responsible for some of the most delightful and thought-provoking books about local farms and food.

Sunnyside Community Supported Agriculture 

www.sunnysidecsa.com 

NYC Green Market in Kew Gardens?

The Council on Environment of New York City is the organizing body in charge of all of the city's green markets. Us in KG and FH, many of whom I know really want a green market here, do not have one and we're really angry about it. Well, not really angry but we just really want one really bad! Anyway, I found out today that they are looking for more spots in NYC to host Green Markets at so I wrote their development team with a request to come check out the KG area. So, question is, if they decided to put one here, where would the best spot be? The several spots I'm thinking about are: in the north LIRR parking lot, the KG Theatre Park, in front of TD Bank, the parking lot for the Overlook at Forest Park which would be really central for FH and KG people. What do you all think? 

CENYC website - http://www.cenyc.org

Lunch at Dani's

Seriously, could this place get any busier?? It's too bad they don't make their pesto pizza for the Wed. night special. I'm looking forward to their pizza eating contest this summer. I think Singas should host one on the same day and go head to head with Dani's. KGB would be happy to do a survey to once and for all decide who's got the best pizza in KG. 

Easter Treats at Homestead

Homestead's Easter display wins! (Not sure if anyone else has one, I have not seen it, but if you do send us a pic and we'll post it!)

Sushi in KG - Metro Sushi

Metro Sushi is definitely my favorite sushi spot in KG. Prices are good, food is great and has always been fresh, service is fast and friendly.  Normally I order take out but as you can see from the shots above it has a great atmosphere with low lighting, 6 tables and bar seating available as well so its nice to sit down at too. 11821 metropolitan ave. 

Peruvian/Spanish Food in Kew Gardens - Tu Casa Remodeled

KGB has only eaten at Tu Casa once, about three weeks ago. The food was good, original, home-style Latin American/Peruvian food. The service was good and the atmosphere was quaint. Today I stopped by and to my surprise they have remodeled and the place looks, and smells, great! They now have two very large spankin new dining rooms with original Latin American artwork on the walls, stone accents, two small flat screen tv's, a huge chicken rotisserie, hence the extraordinary smell as soon as you walk in. As the weather warms up as well he front doors open and there is sidewalk seating available.

 http://www.tucasarestaurant.com