Jackson Heights, Queens

Short cutesy little piece I did for Features Daytripping. Original article on WSN's website: http://nyunews.com/staff/lecia_bushak/#/2010/03/29/30daytripping/?ref=ajax

March 29, 2010

Perhaps there's nothing wrong with returning to the stalwart comfort food of Chipotle and Spice, but there is so much more for a foodie to explore outside the Manhattan bubble. To explore the kind of rich ethnic cuisine that thrives in New York's boroughs, take a trip out to Jackson Heights in Queens. This residential area is home to many Indian, Colombian and Mexican immigrants, and you'll feel more like you're studying abroad somewhere in South America than going to school in the U.S.

On Roosevelt Avenue, the main street where you will find most of the shops and restaurants, Hispanic street vendors cook pork and vegetables and dish out enormous portions to customers. Heavenly scents greet anyone who walks through the heavy steam emitting from the street carts. Down the avenue, a taqueria blasts lively Mexican banda music. A queue forms before women grilling delicious corn-on-the-cob on the corner. People stand outside munching on shish kebabs.





You might need to brush up on your Spanish skills — this way you'll be able to decipher restaurant signs such as "El Pollo Loco — El Palacio del Sabor" which translates as "The Crazy Chicken — The Palace of Flavor" (sounds so much more appetizing than KFC, doesn't it?) Be sure to buy some Colombian coffee at one of the delis that sell only Colombian-imported goods. Even if you're not very good with languages, remember to smile and say "Buenas" to your waitress or cashier.



Aside from the abundance of chicken and tacos, the area is packed with lounges, bars and clubs, many of which sport fun and cheesy facades. "The Flamingo Club," for example, is a dance club on Roosevelt Avenue whose doors are proudly garnished with images of knights in shining armor; above that, a hand-painted sign with flamingos and lovers dancing makes the whole exterior a logistical conundrum, but enticing and irresistible at the same time. The bartenders and hosts inside many of the lounges are friendly and will be glad to offer you margaritas on a salsa-dancing night.





Remember that the locals in this neighborhood are very friendly and fun-loving; they truly know how to enjoy their food, drink, music and dancing, and their energy is contagious.

Directions: Take the four train from Union Square Station. Transfer to the 7 at Grand Central – 42nd Street. Take the 7 toward Main Street – Flushing, then get off at 82nd Street – Jackson Heights Station.

Total travel time: about 35 minutes