This Is Queensborough August 2022

THIS IS

QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022 . VOLUME 18 . ISSUE 8

delicious dishes of QUEENS PG. 5

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | MESSAGE

cuisines of queens

MESSAGE FROM THOMAS J. GRECH, PRESIDENT & CEO AND HOWARD GRAF, CHAIRPERSON

During the month of August numerous individuals cast their cares aways and take a much-needed vacation away from the city. An opportunity to relax and unwind for moment. They might book travel overseas for a chance to tap into the lifestyles and customs of those outside of our community. We ask ourselves, what’s more diverse than Queens County with representation from over 100 countries with 138 plus different languages spoken? Not to mention the vast majority of cuisines, which enable your tastebuds to be transported to lands thousands of miles away. Queens Chamber is proud to present a special edition of our magazine devoted specifically to one of our most precious commodities, restaurants. Whether it’s a Mom-and-Pop shop, Chefs who pour love into every dish, a neighborhood staple or a brand-new establishment, we’ve got them all covered in this issue. It goes without saying the restaurant industry was devastated when the COVID pandemic struck our community and nation back in March 2020. Unfortunately, we had to bid farewell to some that were not able to sustain their operations despite their best efforts. However, thanks in part to numerous strategies including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and the” Open Restaurants” plan, which introduced what we now know as outdoor dining thousands were able to keep their doors open as they pivoted to alternative modes of operation.

missing out. They’re naturally as diverse as they come. Here’s the list of cuisines awaiting your exploration: all continents of Africa, Canadian, Mexican, Fusion, South American, Central American, Caribbean, Central Asian, East Asian, South/Southeast Asian, Indonesian, Chinese, Northeast/South/West/East Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central/ Eastern European, and Oceanic.

THOMAS J. GRECH, PRESIDENT

Throughout the pages of this issue, you’ll be introduced to numerous individuals and establishments all who are passionate about what they do on a daily basis. Many of whom we hope you’ll support and visit over the coming days, weeks, months and years. As President/CEO and Board Chair we’re honored to serve in our roles. More specially because it contributes to the sustainability of this beloved industry known as our restaurants. With all this just a short drive or train ride away, we ask you “Why travel overseas when you can travel around the borough to experience the customs and lifestyles of the world?”

HOWARD GRAF, CHAIRPERSON

On behalf of Queens Chamber, thank you for your continued support of our organization and most of all our ethnically diverse restaurant industry. Remember Queens STRONG!

New Yorkers are resilient by nature, that’s who we are. The past 29 months has proven the resilience of our restaurant industry. In case you haven’t ventured out into the neighborhoods of Queens lately to explore these cuisines nestled throughout, you’re

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | EDITORIAL

Eat AT THE WORLD’S TABLE By: Laura Licona

Take a culinary journey through Queens and engage in a sensory experience unsurpassed by any urban foodscape. We invite you to celebrate, commune and connect at the nation’s most ethnically diverse table where a globally renowned and inspiring world of delicious dishes awaits. Along the famous food pathways of Queens you will simultaneously be swept up and grounded in a bounty of cultural exchange, eating your way through the authentic stories of family, history, and tradition. It is here, this top culinary destination, where community comes alive – all at our very diverse doorstep.

THIS IS

And if food is the proxy for cultural exchange and placemaking, then restaurants are the sites for community health. Just as you can experience cuisine from every corner of the globe on just a few train stops, you can also engage in a traveling study of the constant creation of adaptable systems of resource exchange taking place, enhancing overall community vitality. Just ask the local experts who guide tourists and New Yorkers alike through these culinary curiosities and they will share with you the deep knowledge of cultural traditions and strong family networks that give foreign-born and native New Yorkers alike a social space for food design and for rich livelihood. There is a vitality, a heart, and a depth to the delicious dishes of Queens.

The search for these delicious dishes, the consumption of culture and community through food, the production of “cuisine” in restaurants, home kitchens, and hawker centers – all can be found in the overlapping food scene that comprises the cuisine of our borough. We are able to see food not only as a matter of personal taste, but as a perpetual emotional and social force within a life. Enclaves of cultural ties build a food-forward landscape based in passion, commitment, and a desire to share diverse flavors, the shape of food and meals, the makers and the eaters, as a communion reaching across our differences. Upon a food-forward cityscape, building upon the food writers who generously highlight the depth and diversity of this food-lover’s dream, we at the Queens Chamber of Commerce take a celebratory look at the dedicated restaurateurs and chefs providing us with delectable recipes, from the sensory to the sentimental. We hope you enjoy this very small slice of what the families, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs in Queens have to offer, both to our palates and to our communities. Seek them out and taste the delicious dishes that come from the heart, the hand, and the history of Queens.

QUEENSBOROUGH

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Offner

President’s Message

Eat at the World’s Table

5-12

Delicious Dishes of Queens

Queens Restaurants

Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza and Kitchen

The “Magic” is in the Recipe: Aigner Chocolates

Jef & Laura’s Podcast

The Healing Power of Art Festival of Cinema NYC

Glimpse Social SpotOn

Lidl at Queens Place Mall H-Mart’s New Location

It’s In Queens

Partners & Affiliates

New Members

Major Corporate Members

Queens Chamber of Commerce

75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 • Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2021 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement. Produced by

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez

4 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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AUGUST 2022

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | QUEENS CHEFS & RESTAURANTS

delicious dishes of QUEENS Our Restaurant Issue highlights the passionate Queens borough restaurateurs and entrepreneurs who work every day to ensure a thriving and delicious food and restaurant scene, from their heart and hands to you. We thank them, we support them, and we proudly present them here for everyone to try their delicious dishes!

MAKINA CAFE // EDEN EGZIABHER 36-47 30th St., Long Island City, NY 11106 makinacafenyc.com Makina Café brings brightness and energy to our food scene with a dynamic team and menu. Owner Eden Egziabher brought the first Ethiopian/Eritrean food truck to NYC five years ago, serving an iconic, easy-to-eat menu that includes chicken tibs, (marinated with berbere, onions, garlic, parsley, and spiced oil), miser (spicy whole red lentil stew), and ater (split pea stew), among other Ethiopian/ Eritrean delights. Five years later, Egziabher is doing what she does best, again, by bringing her unique dishes to a brick-and-mortar cafe in Sunnyside, Queens, slated to open in the fall. The café will feature an elevated version of the food truck menu with some of the familiar food truck options. Egziabher plans to source her coffee from women in Ethiopia and has recruited a female architectural and design team to make that happen. Makina Cafe has a following, and the residents of Sunnyside are looking forward to the brick-and-mortar location where Egziabher will bring yet another cultural experience with an extensive coffee selection and a well-thought-out cocktail menu. Egziabher, in an interview with SunnySide Post, expressed her interest in digging deeper into the neighborhood to contribute to Sunnyside and Queens. The food trucks will remain in operation.

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TASTE BUDS MATTER, LLC // CHEF DAVIS 89-31 161st St., Jamaica, NY 11432 tastebudsmatterllc.com

American born with Native American and South African heritage, Chef Davis, often better known as Chef Littlebit, is a private chef, caterer, youth and community advocate, holistic food educator, and the founder of Taste Buds Matter LLC. Taste Buds Matter specializes in creating foodbased workshops and programs for the community to develop healthy lifestyle habits through eating, which Chef Davis believes is an instrumental step toward connecting with the inner self. Chef Davis doesn’t let anything get in the way of continuously exploring her curiosity. Lately, she is excited about permaculture. Davis has partnered with students in Kenya and Cameroon through virtual workshops where she teaches what she knows about healthy eating, and they, in turn, teach her about their local plants and vegetables. Chef Davis has a small garden of her own, teaches workshops, is available for events, and promotes healthy eating as a lifestyle choice. Taste Buds Matter offers a wide variety of meal prep programs, services, and demonstrations. Chef Davis got her first catering event in 2015 with NYC’s League of Women Voters. She hasn’t stopped expanding, learning, and educating the youth about healthy living as it coincides with agriculture, storytelling, community, self-care, and humanity. Chef Davis is a dynamic traveling private chef with a wide selection of options for food services.

BEVO’S KITCHEN // GRACIA CLARY-LEONCE 135-45 Belknap St., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 bevoskitchen.com

Originally from St. Lucia, founder of Bevo’s Kitchen, Gracia Clary-Leonce, is a positive presence with a winning smile. Gracia is passionate about the fresh ingredients and flavors of her culture and likes to remind us to eat healthy “Because you are what you eat.” Bevo’s Kitchen is a family-owned and operated catering space that has been in business for 45 years and has everything one needs to support a healthy lifestyle. Bevo’s offers meal prep programs and natural products made without preservatives. The menu includes jerk pepper tofu, bow tie butternut squash mac & cheese, Caribbean roti bowls, doubles, and exotic beverages made from fruits native to the Caribbean, but also has a wide range of other healthful products such as granola, and spiced pumpkin butter, among other jarred goodies. Gracia has a degree in biology which helps her to create dishes that are good for you. Bevo’s Kitchen frequently participates in events such as the New York Vegan Festival in Manhattan, the New Jersey Vegan Fair, and, most recently, Long Island’s Second Annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival with a range of Caribbean dishes. Bevo’s Kitchen has several seasonal summer stands at various markets across Long Island. You can find Bevo’s Kitchen Products at the Farmer’s Market in Oyster Bay, Babylon, Long Beach, Roslyn, and Valley Stream. Bevo’s Kitchen will also be at the Atlantic Antic Festival in Brooklyn this October.

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LA COMADRE TAQUERIA // RAMIREZ FAMILY 75-10A Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven, NY 11421 lacomadretaqueria.com

Take inspiration from the incredible family behind La Comadre Taqueria in Woodhaven, a staple for authentic homemade Mexican food. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been in business for thirteen years, and each family member plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s daily operation. Originally from Puebla, Mexico, a region known for its deep culinary traditions, the family takes pride in their homemade tortillas and mole recipe Carolina makes alongside her mother in the taqueria’s kitchen. The family eats their meals at the taqueria daily; it is their home and their kitchen where they eat as a family. The daily menu ranges from tacos, tortas, mushroom quesadillas, Mexican beverages, jamaica or tamarindo agua fresca, and sopes. Sopes are a traditional street snack; one order comes with three small dish-shaped tortillas with toppings. La Comadre serves breakfast as well. Desayunos options include, eggs any style, huevos en salsa verde, and pancakes acompanados con huevo. The taqueria was originally a traditional Mexican bakery. The family pivoted after the pandemic and dug deep into their culinary roots from Puebla, Mexico, to offer something new to the neighborhood. If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to peek at the menu, window décor, and interior design done by the family’s youngest, Angelica.

NICK’S BISTRO // ALFRED VITSENTZOS AND MARIO SALVVAS 104-20 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375 nicksbistro.com

Take a look at Nick’s Bistro, the Greek/Mediterranean force in Forest Hills, and you’ll find a family oriented, quintessential neighborhood restaurant and bar on a corner with a beautiful outdoor space. Seated at Metropolitan and 72nd Avenues in Forest Hills, this family style restaurant is loyal to their community, and adapted to the neighborhood’s request for a Greek-American restaurant with a flair. Nick’s Bistro kept its employees on staff during the pandemic and donated thousands of meals to frontline workers at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, and Jamaica Hospital. The owners, Alfred and Mario, have known each other since they were four. As the chef, Mario learned everything he knew from working at their restaurant when he was younger. Mario’s uncles are typically the first ones in the kitchen daily, with the same vigor and love they put into the restaurant they owned and operated for thirty-five years in Astoria. Mario takes pride in using fresh ingredients and constantly strives to improve the menu. The menu has something for everyone - a beet salad, Greek-style mussels, filet mignon Philly cheese steak press sandwich, plant-based gyro, fresh fish, pasta, and a wide selection of authentic Greek side dishes. Specialty cocktails, desserts, and coffee are also available, so join the family and dine inside or in the charming outdoor dining area!

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COOKING WITH COREY // COREY AND BRANDI COVINGTON 36-46 37th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101 cookingwithcorey.com

The Coffee Shack at AMDA, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a private conservatory for the performing arts located in New York City, is powered by Cooking with Corey, an independently owned and operated meal service company. Cooking with Corey was founded by a husband-and-wife team, Brandi and Corey Covington. Brandi has a background in education, and Corey has spent most of his life cooking. This chef/husband and wife team says love is the main ingredient in every mouthwatering item they serve. Creamy herb and chicken with cauliflower mash, rasta pasta, scrambled tofu, spinach, and potatoes are just a few items on their meal prep plan, and catering options are extensive. The catering options range from continental and French breakfast to mac and cheese and sliders. Both born and raised in Queens, Brandi and Corey credit their staff for their hard work, especially through the pandemic. Brandi spoke of their team with sincere gratitude, “There are so many moving parts to this business, and our staff has been incredible.” Visit the website and social media for Cooking With Corey events, catering options, meal prep programs, and cooking workshops.

SELO RESTAURANT // ELVIS AND SUZANA TOMINOVIC 3305 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 selonyc.com

Elvis Tominovic brought Selo Restaurant to Astoria, a stylish and unique fusion spot with homecooked meals just like nonna used to make. The inspiration behind Selo, which means village, was inspired by Elvis’s wife Suzana during the pandemic. Selo was born out of a nostalgia for gathering, with the central belief that life should be focused on good energy and fun. Selo serves Croatian, Serbian, Balkan cuisine with a modern twist and has live music, a full bar, and a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings families together. Elvis, from Croatia, and his wife Suzana, from Serbia, created a unique dining experience highlighting Serbian and Croatian specialties, with elements of Greek, Italian, Turkish and Hungarian cuisine. One of the most popular items on the menu is the house schnitzel, which looks a lot like a big hot dog; it’s a sausage of minced meat dipped in a roasted pepper spread that is mouthwatering. You can also try Gurmanska (ground meat with cheese, bacon, and onion), Karadordjeva (rolled and fried schnitzel with Balkan-style clotted cream), and Cevapi (Balkan sausages with ajvar and onion). Selo’s is a family affair – Elvis and Suzana’s mothers (and Elvis’s sister-in-law Sanja) help run the restaurant and cook a lot of the amazing dishes.

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RICAS PUPUSAS & MAS // VARGAS FAMILY 47-55 47th St., Woodside, NY 11377 ricaspupusas.us

At Ricas Pupusas & Mas, be prepared to use your hands to eat your pupusas the way it’s done in El Salvador. Irma Vargas shared her journey from a makeshift pupuseria in front of her church to her very own storefront with the New York Times Critic’s Pick. Ricas Pupusas & Mas is a family-owned and operated business. Mrs. Vargas works tirelessly in her kitchen while her daughters tend to the front-ofthe-house duties. The menu has several options for pupusa fillings, with a base of beans and cheese. Among other menu items, quesadillas, tamales, tacos, and dessert are also available, and let’s not forget the beverages, Salvadoran horchata, smoothies, and natural juices. The decor of Ricas Pupusas & Mas is quaint and charming. When you approach the counter to order or settle your bill, you’re most likely being tended to by one of Irma’s daughters. If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Irma in and out of her kitchen, observing her customers and taking pride in the massive endeavor of being a small business owner.

NANA’S LOVE, LLC // CATANYA GILLIAM 134-37 166th Pl. 13B, Jamaica, NY 11434 nanaslovecatering.com

Catanya Gilliam is passionate about international cuisine, and the empanada happens to be the perfect form for her to express herself. The dough is like a blank page to Catanya, beckoning to be filled with whatever inspires her. The choices are infinite, making her empanadas her signature menu item. Empanadas range from Catanya’s Chicken and Potato, Jay’s Spicy Veggie, Maryjane’s Lump Crabmeat & Lobster, and Grandad’s Garlicky Spinach. The menu has several other filling options as well as empanada packages. Assorted trays of empanadas are available with a 24 to 48-hour notice. Nana’s Love also offers a variety of savory dishes from Southern, Latin, and Caribbean for your catering needs. Nana’s Love operates out of Essential Kitchen, the first shared commercial kitchen space in South Queens. Essential Kitchen is also an Incubator and Business Suite created for local culinary professionals, small foodbased businesses, and community-based organizations. Catanya credits Essential Kitchen for helping her grow her business and for the ongoing guidance. Catanya Gilliam can also be found at the Laurelton Farmers Market this summer.

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BLEU ROYALE CAKES // SASHARI AND HILDA MELENDEZ 94-10 80th St., Ozone Park, NY 11416 bleuroyalecakes.com

The story behind Bleu Royale Cakes is of sisters Sashari and Hilda Melendez. Like so many other baking stories, this one, too, began at home. Hilda had been baking professionally from home for over five years. After Sashari graduated from college, the two joined forces to open a bakery. Their Tres Leches cake jars are one of their most popular items, among other Puerto Rican desserts. Sashari and Hilda use all-natural ingredients sourced directly from the Island of Puerto Rico. Their baked goods are authentic; they travel to the island for guava, local vanilla, and other ingredients that make their cakes and pastries authentic. Hilda is the baker, while Sashari runs the storefront and handles customer service. Bleu Royale Cakes specializes in baked goods, custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and much more. They make deliveries to all five boroughs, and if you stop by Bleu Royale, you can order a fresh cup of coffee, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, pastries, and cake slices! The sisters recently opened a second shop, Royale Sweets and Supplies, on Rockaway Blvd. Royale Sweet and Supplies is the place for cake decorating supplies, ready-to-go cakes, sweets, and much more.

ALTHEA’S TROPICAL DELIGHTS // ALTHEA CASIMIR-MAGLOIRE 143-76 229th St, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 altheastropicaldelights.com

Althea Georgiana Casimir-Magloire, migrated over 30 years ago to New York City from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica. Althea’s professional background as an accountant and entrepreneur, combined with her passion for baking and desire to help her island recover from a devastating hurricane, resulted in the launch of a one-of-a-kind brand. Althea’s fundraiser for Dominica’s recovery inspired her to launch a business, one she’s genuinely passionate about and one that could help both her New York and Caribbean communities. As a member of the Board of Directors of Birch Family Services, Althea also helps people with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives. Althea’s central specialty is the rum cake. Celebrated throughout the Caribbean, rum cakes are a homemade treat for many households. Now anyone can enjoy them year-round and in alcoholic and nonalcoholic forms. Gluten-free and sugar-free options are also available. Flavors range from mango pepper rum cake, coconut pineapple rum cake, sorrel rum or fruit cake, and Caribbean fruit cake, among other exotic tropical fruit fusions. Althea’s Tropical Delight also offers something savory with meal prep options; one can order the rasta pasta with jerk wings, escovitch fish, curried chickpeas and potatoes, and brown stew chicken. Catering options are also available.

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SINGLECUT BEERSMITH // DAN BRONSON 19-33 37th St, Astoria, NY, 11105 singlecut.com

SingleCut BeerSmith was founded in 2012 by music-obsessed brewer Rich Buceta, who wanted a place for people to experience hops and vinyl side by side. The name derives from the luthier term when a guitar is made with a lower cutaway. SingleCut offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from stouts to white lagers to pale ales and IPAs; something for everyone. Whether your preference is from the tap or straight out of the can, you won’t be disappointed. If by chance you’re interested in a fun relaxing activity SingleCut is your go-to place. Trivia nights, mixtape Bingo, and tastings are all available to satisfy our recreational taste buds. Their new cans are stamped metal on the front which provides a little bit of texture as you grab a cold one - distinct details all designed for a more pleasurable experience. Dan Bronson has been the GM at SingleCut for the past 7 years and says “Getting to see this borough’s incredible hospitality and nightlife industry flourish has been one of the highlights of my career! Here’s to a fantastic bounceback year for all Queens businesses and summer full of celebrating the Queens community.” SingleCut BeerSmith is physically located at 19-33 37th Street in Astoria, Queens, via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SingleCutBeer. Visit their website www.singlecut.com to learn more about their beers, events, tap rooms, and other exciting information.

SABOR RESTAURANT & BAKERY // CRISTIANA FRANCO 1520 College Point Blvd, Queens, NY 11356 saborrestaurantbakerynyc.com

Sabor Restaurant & Bakery is a Colombian and Dominican restaurant and bakery offering both sit-down and to-go service in College Point, Queens. Sabor has a unique style to their service; they have regular menus and a steam table that displays different foods daily. Upon walking into the restaurant, you are welcomed by the friendly staff and enchanted by the smell of the steam table displaying home-cooked-style meals. The baked goods are also displayed. Sabor Restaurant & Bakery uses fresh ingredients daily, and pastries are baked fresh each day. The wide selection of baked goods includes Pan de Bono (Colombian style bread), Pan de Queso (Colombian style bread w/ cheese), Arepa de Choclo (sweet corn cake), and Arepas de Choclo con Queso (sweet corn cake with cheese). Breakfast menu choices feature traditional dishes, Arepa Rellena Con Huevos Pericos y Queso (stuffed corn cake with Colombian-style eggs), and much more. Indulge in lunch and dinner options from the menu or steam table.

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MADEFRESH ORGANICS // JULIANA RIVERA 14521 243rd St, Rosedale, NY 11422 www.madefreshorganic.com Juliana Rivera of Rosedale launched the organic juice business after she fell ill in 2015 and had to be rushed to the emergency room with a ruptured gallbladder. “I was not taking care of myself,” Rivera said. “I was not eating the right food.” It was then that she knew she had to make a major lifestyle change and embarked on her own journey to heal herself. While recovering from surgery, she took the time to study nutrition and began juicing as a means to remove the toxins from her body. Her method worked and a year later she launched the brand from her kitchen counter. Her fresh juices are made using only organic ingredients from locally sourced farms on Long Island and are always made fresh on the day of delivery because they are not pasteurized—having only a 5-7 day shelf life—and preserved using only lemon and ginger. Her juices can also be shipped nationwide, in which case, they are made fresh and then flash frozen to keep them cool, but not rock solid. Rivera says her best seller is her spicy lemonade, a cleanse drink she created from childhood memories of her grandfather’s garden while growing up on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Her other best-sellers include her all-green vegan, merry berry, and morning blast juices. None of the juices contain any added sugar or sweeteners but are made sweet naturally using fresh fruit ingredients such as mangos, berries, apples, and bananas. They can be ordered online, both wholesale and retail, and delivered anywhere within the Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau County communities. Rivera also said that they are working to expand their products to include veggie wraps, salads, black bean tacos, and superfood booster shots. Cleanse packages can be shipped anywhere in the country and range from 1-Day, 3-Day, and 5-Day regiments. To learn more about Rivera and her organic juices, visit madefreshorganic.com or follow @officialmadefreshorganic on Instagram.

PA’ SU MADRE // ROBERTO ROJAS 86-14 37th Ave., Queens NY, 11372 Pasumadre.com

From its roots in Puebla, Mexico during the ‘70s, to its future in Queens, New York, the Chipotlan hot sauce that fills the bottles of Pa’ Su Madre is a family tradition that lives through many generations. Roberto Rojas, the man behind the Long Island City-based hot sauce company, emigrated to NYC in 1987. With no money and nowhere to go, Rojas was homeless for two months, sleeping on a bench inside Grand Central Station in Manhattan. But his hard working attitude got Rojas to where he is now with Pa’ Su Madre, which he founded in 2014 with the help of who he calls his “partner, friend, lover, and wife,” JazmínVigoya. “I’ve always been passionate about food,” Rojas said. “Back in my country, I used to be my mother’s helper in the kitchen and learned from her.” Today, Pa’ SuMadre proudly offers 27 flavors of hot sauce—including strawberry, mango, pineapple and peach—as well as salsa, mole, and chips. Rojas said that the chips are a recent addition to the company, and that they are “totally different from any chips you already know,” due to the fact that they’re made with real ingredients and no powders, flavors, or excessive amounts of salt. Pa’ SuMadre’s products are available online at pasumadre.com for purchase, as well as in local grocery stores in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. “In life, it’s important to enjoy what you do, and this is what I love to do: hot sauce. That’s my passion,” Rojas said in a documentary about his life created by Michael Cimpher. “I wake up making hot sauce. Go to bed making hot sauce. That’s what I do 24 hours,” he continued. “I keep doing it because I believe in my dream.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | QUEENS RESTAURANTS

Queens restaurants by neighborhood

Neighborhood Restaurant and Dining Guide - This extensive list of over 200 restaurants around Queens is but a TASTE of what the borough has to offer. Discover a cool, new hotspot, visit an old treasure, or uncover a hidden gem among the list of who we work with, including staff picks and chamber members. Visit any of these incredible spots and look for another list highlighting even more!

ASTORIA ANASSA TAVERNA astoria.anassataverna.com Greek seafood restaurant described by Forbes as “DestinationGreek Dining.” ASTORIA BIER AND CHEESE astoriabierandcheese.com A craft beer bar, cheese shop, gourmet sandwich shop, and specialty grocery all in one. BAD HABITS badhabitsnyc.com A Dominican sushi experience! THE BONNIE thebonnie.com Best bar in Astoria for creative cocktails, local beer, comfort food, live music, private events, and late-night food. CHRISTOS STEAK HOUSE christossteakhouse.com Locally and nationally celebrated American steakhouse with a Mediterranean flair. GREGORY’S 26 CORNER TAVERNA gregoryscornertaverna.net Charming and rustic taverna, described by MICHELIN GUIDE as “old-time Greek retreat.” LOUKOUMI TAVERNA loukoumiastoria.com Off the beaten path, Greek restaurant with a large backyard patio. SWEET AFTON sweetaftonbar.com Located in the heart of Astoria, Sweet Afton is the neighborhood destination for specialty cocktails, craft beers, and comfort food. SEVA INDIAN CUISINE sevaindianrestaurant.com Astoria’s most popular Indian restaurant consistently garners attention as the best Indian restaurant by locals.

TAVERNA KYCLADES tavernakyclades.com Seafood experts, this taverna is considered among many as the most famous Greek spot in Astoria.

ONE STATION PLAZA kunstcoffeehaus.com Unpretentious bar with an ample beer garden offering a full range o f drinks & classic American grub

TELLY’S TAVERNA tellystaverna.com Long-running Greek taverna known for fresh-grilled fish served in s pacious quarters with a garden.

PAPAZZIO papazzio.com “Bayside’s treasure“ and “Bayside’s best-kept secret,” serving a unique fusion of northern and southern Italian cuisine.

TRATTORIA L’INCONTRO trattorialincontro.com Using only use the freshest, prime ingredients and the highest level of quality and service.

BAYSIDE AVLI THE LITTLE GREEK TAVERN avligreek.com/tavern Compact eatery offering Greek dishes & sandwiches, plus soups & sides in a casual ambiance BCD TOFU HOUSE bcdtofuhouse.com Korean restaurant serving classic fare such as soft-tofu soup,bibimbap and bulgogi. BKNY THAI bknythai.com Classic Thai fare in a spacious dining room with refined, temporary decor & a circular bar. BOURBON STREET bourbonstreetny.com Cajun & Southern-accented grub, plus Sunday brunch served in a lively spot with TVs & a rooftop bar. EREWAN THAI erawanthaibayside.com Besides the basic exotic dishes on the menu, the restaurant also offers many high quality items off of the regular menu including premium aged steaks. KUNST COFFEE HAUS kunstcoffeehaus.com Ambassador of artisanal coffee in Bayside.

PRESS 195 press195.com A lengthy menu of pressed sandwiches and salads with craft beer a nd Belgian fries with seasonal outdoor backyard.. SHANGHAI YOU GARDEN yougardenxiaolongbao.com Laid-back Chinese restaurant offering Shanghai specialties like dim sum, plus Peking Duck.

BELLEROSE LUIGIS RESTAURANT luigisnewhydepark.com Neighborhood Italian restaurant serving up house-made pastas and woodfired pizzas in a cozy setting. MY NUTRITION PLACE @mynutritionplace718 Smoothie and juice bar, protein donuts, special events, and more! NAMASTE INDIAN RESTAURANT namasteglenoaks.com Relaxed Indian restaurant serving classic dishes, plus a lunch b uffet & ice cream. USHA FOODS INC ushafoods.com No-frills shop offering vegetarian Indian snacks, sweets and fast-food options in a casual dining space.

COLLEGE POINT CP GRILL cpgrillny.com Hidden Gem in College Point with full bar, a cozy dining area & o utdoor patio. DOU DOU KITCHEN doudoukitchen.com Amazingly delicious Chinese food. GRANDMA’S DIM SUM grandmasfoodny.com Healthy, fresh, and natural Chinese dishes to satisfy the modern customer’s tastes and needs. LITTLE PEPPER littlepepperrestaurant This family-owned business serves Sichuan dishes with a kick, and s ome Cantonese options.

CORONA EL GAUCHITO elgauchitonyc.com/#popup Find a little piece of Argentina in New York. EMPANADAS CAFE empanadascafe.com Small, buzzy Latin American caf6, boasting empanadas with a u nique array of savory and sweet fittings. LEO’S LATTICINI singleplatform.com/leos-latticini/ Historic Italian deli serving up subs, sandwiches & high-quality mozzarella since 1920. LINDA AZOGUENITA BAKERY & RESTAURANT

@Linda-Azoguenita-Bakery-Restaurant

Authentic Ecuadorian restaurant and bakery.

TRIANGOLO RESTAURANT triangolonyc.com Intimate Italian eatery offering oven-baked pizzas and house-made pasta in a historic building.

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

KHAO NOM @khaonomnyc Thai food and dessert, voted most authentic Thai in Queens byEater.

PARK SIDE RESTAURANT parksiderestaurantny.com An Italian Landmark located in the heart of Corona, Queens, Park Side Restaurant is truly a fine food destination that is worth the trip. RINCON CRIOLLO rincon-criotlo.com Family-run spot serving Cuban classics like lechon asado (roasted suckling pig) since 1976.

DOUGLASTON ILTOSCANO RISTORANTE iltoscanony.com Upscale destination serving Northern Italian cuisine and fine wines in an elegant, old-world setting.

KITCHEN 79 kitchen79nyc.com Thai restaurant with dishes from both northern and southern Thailand, including noodles and curries. LA FUSTA lafustarestaurant.com Family-owned and run for three generations, it is the oldest Argentine restaurant in NYC. LAHI lahinewyork.com Serving classic Filipino staples, breakfast, sizzling plates, meat skewers, soups, stews, and desserts.

MIZUMI mizumibuffet.com Contemporary Asian buffet with a generous selection for a set price, including sushi.

OCEANIC BOIL oceanicboil.com Unpretentious nook with bare-bones decor showcasing seafood boils, plates & Cajun menu items. SKY CAFE facebook.com/Skycafenyc Compact Indonesian eatery with a casual vibe offering noodle & rice dishes, plus soup.

EAST ELMHURST BISTRO ELOISE bistroeloise.com A unique cuisine with a twist of modern favorites made to revolutionize the way you think about

FLUSHING

PLAKA ptakagrillnyc.com/8256 This simple locale features Mediterranean dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki & grilled squid.

THE ATTIC OYSTER & COCKTAIL BAR theattic136.com Speakeasy restaurant & bar specializing in oysters & cocktails.

ELMHURST

BODAI VEGETARIAN bodaivegetarian.com Sit-down Cantonese eatery showcases a dim sum menu with numerous vegetarian & kosher options.

AYADA www.ayadanyc.com A family-own restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine since 2008 EIM KHAO MUN KAI facebook.com/EIM-Khao-Mun-KaiElmhurst-708980312469993/ Thai restaurant serving poached chicken and sides in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.

GREY CAFE greycafeny.com Fair-trade organic-coffee café with light bites. GYU KAKU JAPANESE BBQ gyu-kaku.com/flushing Japanese BBQ in Queens with more than 700 Locations worldwide.

HIMALAYAN YAK himatayanyak.net Casual Himalayan eatery serving up momos & other dishes from Nepal, Tibet, India & Bhutan.

JANG DOK DAE jangdokdaeny.com Fresh, healthy, and delicious healing Korean foods.

JOJU jojuny.com Modern counter-serve Vietnamese sandwich specialist also selling bubble tea and milkshakes.

JOE’S STEAM RICE ROLL @steamriceroll Fast-food restaurant specializing in Cantonese rice noodle dish inside mini-mall space. KABUL KABAB kabulkababhouse.com

14 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022

Popular neighborhood-casual offering traditional Afghan meals. LUCIA PIZZA luciapizzany.com Longtime resident staple offering thin-crust pizza, calzones and baked pastas. MAPO BBO mapokoreanbbqny.com Tableside grilling is the highlight at this buzzy Korean spot known for its kalbi & numerous sides. PAMIR KABAB HOUSE & GRILL

restaurantji.com/ny/flushing/pamir-kabab-house-and-grill-/ Afghan, Middle Eastern, Hala

Restaurant with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. PARTEA NYC partea-nyc.com A unique culinary experience capturing that vivacious Taiwanese night market experience into each of their one-of-a-kind brick and m ortar concept stores. SPRING SHABU SHABU springshabu.com Meats, seafood, noodles & veggies are cooked in tableside hot pots at this stylish Japanese outfit. SZECHUAN HOUSE The oldest Szechuan restaurant in the area, since 1985. TAVERN 157 tavern157.com A unique, modern Tapas restaurant and lounge featuring gourmet meals, complete with a full beer and wine bar. TEMPLE CANTEEN nyganeshtemptecanteen.com Authentic South Indian fare served cafeteria-style in the brightly lit basement of a Hindu temple. WHITE BEAR thrillist.com/venues/white-bearbaixiong Known for exceptional dumplings. Infatuation recommends the plate of wontons with hot sauce (no.6). WHITE NOISE COFFEE whitenoisecoffeeco.com Chic, funky craft coffee shop & cafe offering light fare in an artsy s pace with seating & Wi-Fi.

FOREST HILLS ALBERTO albertorestaurant.com Longtime Italian fixture for homestyle classics & fine wines served in a romantic, high-end setting.

CABANA cabanarestaurant.com Lively restaurant and bar serving Nuevo Latino fare and cocktails in a Miami vibe. CAFE ARZU Cozy stop for kosher Uzbek fare and a large kebab selection. CIPOLLINA GOURMET ITALIAN MARKET @CipollinaForestHills Gourmet market serving sandwiches, sweets, panini, and Italian favorites. DIRTY PIERRE’S @dirtypierres Opened since 1995 and rated best burger in Queens. EL COYOTE elcoyoteforesthills.com El Coyote Restaurant chain was started in 1998, with the goal of sharing authentic Mexican taste with elaborate and flavorful dishes. FOREST HILLS STATION HOUSE fhstationhouse.com Gastropub offering craft brews and lots of whiskey options, plus an upscale bar menu and weekend brunch. Il POETA ilpoetanyc.com Family-owned Italian restaurant serving traditional fare in a homey, white-tablecloth setting. KISSFISH kissfishnyc.com Serving fresh, made-to-order poké bowls, sushi wraps and hand rolls. LILLIAN’S PIZZA lillianpizzeriamenu.com Known for the classic cheese pizza, and Italian specialties. MISFITS NUTRITION A fun and healthy spot where the community can come to help with their fitness and weight loss/gain goals. Serving protein shakes and energy teas PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY @phillypretzelfactory.com Counter-serve chain for Philadelphia-style soft pretzels & dips. QUEENS BULLY queensbully.com Spacious hangout serving American BBQ, dishes with global flavors and cocktails. RED PIPE CAFE redpipescafe.com Comfy haunt offering espresso drinks and teas, plus vegan/vegetarian fare, including sandwiches and pastries.

FRESH MEADOWS BAKHTER HALAL KABOBS @bakhtarhalalkabab Quick counter-serve for halal Afghan entrees, kebabs, gyros and sandwiches with seating. EONS GREEK FOOD eonsgreek.com Quality healthy Greek food accessible to everyone for an affordable price at a fast pace. KIN’D kindthai.com Bright & contemporary spot for traditional Thai dishes, with lunch specials & vegetarian options.

GLENDALE FINBACK BREWERY finbackbrewery.com Brews small batch artisanal draft beers. Distributes to bars in the greater NYC area. ZUM STAMMTISCH zumstammtisch.com German beer hall with classic fare and frosty steins delivered by waitresses in Alpine costumes.

GLEN OAKS

NEW PARK PIZZA newparkpizza.com Same family proudly serving the community the same great pizza for over 60 years!

SAMUDRA VEGETARIAN samudrarestaurant.com Humble restaurant featuring a variety of South Indian vegetarian dishes in a laidback atmosphere.

PRIMA PASTA AND CAFE primapastacafe.com Version of Italian classics served in a family-friendly environment.

THE QUEENSBORO thequeensboro.com Serves locally-brewed beer and coffee from Native Roasters, sources ingredients from local businesses, and the Jackson Heights Farmers Market.

VETRO BY RUSSO’S vetronyc.com Voted the #1 Best Restaurant in the Tri-State Area by OpenTable, #4 for Best Service, and #5 for Ambiance.

JACKSON HEIGHTS ADDICTIVE WINE AND TAPAS BAR addictivewinebar.com Top-rated by Travel & Leisure, this intimate locale with brick-and-wood accents offers Spanish tapas and wine. AMDO KITCHEN FOOD TRUCK ngatso.com/amdo-momo-1 Food truck rated the best and most authentic for momodumplings. AREPA LADY @areperiaarepalady Brick-and-mortar outpost of a popular food cart known for turning out South American cornmeal cakes.

LUIGI’S luigisnewhydepark.com Neighborhood Italian restaurant serving up house-made pastas and wood-fired pizza in a cozy setting.

BIRRIA-LANDIA qrusamenu.com/birrialandia Straightforward food truck dishing up a small menu of tacos, soup, tostadas & quesadillas.

SANTOOR INDIAN santoorgrill.com Upscale setting for Northern and Southern Indian specialties, plus a lunch buffet and full bar.

CRUS- Z FAMILY (FAMILY CRUZ) @The-Crus-Z-Family Serving delicious and specially seasoned carnitas to traditional tortas, and tostadas.

FARINE BAKING COMPANY farinebakingcompany.com Rated the best burgers, fries and fried chicken in Glen Oaks.

LHASA FAST FOOD lhasafastfoodny.com Serves delicious, hearty Tibetan food, spicy soups, hand pulled noodles, and momos.

HOLLIS ELENA’S 43 www.elena43.com Intimate eatery offering a mix of Spanish and American dishes, plus beer wine and sangria. JUICY KING CRAB EXPRESS An authentic cajun-style seafood restaurant.

HOWARD BEACH BRUNO RISTORANTE ITALIANO bruno-ristorante.com An authentic Italian menu straight out of southern Italy.

URUBAMBA urubambany.com Low-key Peruvian restaurant dishing up classics, including ceviche, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

JAMAICA A CHURRASQUEIRA restaurantji.com/ny/jamaica/a-churrasqueira Eatery dispensing Portuguese fare & drinks in a warm, intimate space with frequent live music. BK LOBSTER bklobster.com Fresh, top-quality lobster in a cool, refreshing atmosphere. EL COMAL Pupuseria elcomalpupuseria.com Family-owned Salvadoran restaurant known for pupusas.

Local Kew Garden’s Steak and Ale House A Staple in the Community over 25 Years. DANI’S HOUSE OF PIZZA danishouseofpizza.com Founded in 1959 by Ramiz Dani, Dani’s House of Pizza has been a Kew Gardens landmark for 61 years. GRILL POINT grillpoint.nyc Glatt Kosher grill restaurant serving Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine. MAIN BAHKTAR HALAL KABAB mainbakhtar.com Afghan restaurant offering a selection of classic dishes and kebabs. TU CASA tucasarestaurant.com Family run Peruvian restaurant with several locations, established and supported by the community since 2004.

LAURELTON A LIVE KITCHEN a-live-kitchen.business.site Vegan comfort food and juice bar. Dine-in or take-out. BE IN GOOD HEALTH facebook.com/beingoodhealthllc/ Fantastic assortment of smoothies and juices with a food menu.

HALALBEE’S halalbeesburgers.com Comfort food locale serving Halal menu of grass-fed beef burgers, cage-free chicken, milk shakes, and sides.

JAMAICA BREEZE Jamaican jerk chicken, Jamaican oxtail, Jamaican curry goat and many other island favorites, served buffet style.

NURIAAS RESTAURANT Salvadorian restaurant rated best pupusas in Jamaica, Queens.

LITTLE NECK

O LAVRADOR olavradorrestaurant.com Authentic cuisine from Portugal and Spain since, serving the neighborhood since 1981.

KEBAB HOUSE kebabhouserestaurant1 Unassuming. lively find, purveying popular Turkish dishes, including kofta kebabs and dolmas.

MOJITOS RESTAURANT mojitosrestaurantbar.com A Latin fusion restaurant. offering the best flavors of different regions of the Latin culture

THE DOOR thedoorrestaurant.nyc Elegant Jamaican restaurant turning out jerk chicken, oxtail, escovitch and other Jamaican specialties. Caters for all occasions.

LA BARAKA labarakarest.com French restaurant, one of the first in the 1970s to introduce couscous, the signature dish of North African cuisine

MR. CANGREJO mistercangrejo.com Serves traditional dishes from the pacific coast like piangua, tollo, Buenaventura’s native fish soup, and the trendy seafood casserole.

PARIS CAFE twahotel.com/food-drink/paris-cafe Destination fare by legendary chef Jean Georges Vongerichten in the new TWA Hotel.

PIO PIO piopio.shop Famous for delicious Peruvian style rotisserie chicken with garlic sauce “to die for.”

KEW GARDENS AUSTIN’S ALE HOUSE austinsteakandaIehouse.com

LIMA 33 Restaurant facebook.com/Lima-33-Restaurant Delicious Peruvian food in a modern atmosphere LITTLE DUMPLING littledumplinglittleneck.com/ Home of the best soup dumpling & homestyle Shanghai & Taiwanese cuisine in the area. CONTINUED ON PG. 18

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHTS

Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen By: Robert Intelisano

One of the reasons I decided to take on the challenge of my “A Slice of Queens” monthly column is because Queens pizza rarely, if ever, makes the list of “The Best Pizza in New York City.” It irks me that Staten Island pizza is mentioned more often than Queens pizza. I have sampled pizza all around the world from Naples—where it originated—to Sydney, Australia, London, and Bogota, Colombia. This column gets the word out. Queens Pizza can compete with pizza from anywhere. Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen is a prime example of this. Dee’s pizza has been serving Forest Hills proudly since 1993. I would describe Dee’s as an Italian Restaurant with an American twist. The irony for me is that I have eaten there many times and had never tried their pizza. The idea of my Dee’s review was launched back in early March of this year at the Queens Center for Progress “food night” event held at Terrace on the Park. As soon as I entered, I made a beeline to the Aigner Chocolates (my favorite) booth and decided to have dessert first. The owners of Aigner are friends and clients, Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner. Mark’s background is as a pastry chef, and he knows and appreciates good food. I mentioned this column to him, and he said, “Wait until my wife Rachel gets here, she can introduce you, she is best friends with Dee’s wife Eileen.”

16 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

Just a few blocks down from Dee’s on Metropolitan Avenue, Mark and Rachel (who has a social worker background) took over Aigner Chocolates from the Aigner family in 2015. This is when Rachel and Eileen struck up a friendship. Together, they have given back to the community as the co-founders of Metro Village of Forest Hills. This organization, founded in 2020, organized a successful “Community Day,” closing off six blocks of Metropolitan Avenue, with 30 local businesses participating. They are also responsible for the beautiful holiday lights on Metropolitan Avenue. Growing up in Forest Hills, Dee Arabian has been in the restaurant industry since he was a 14-year-old boy. He learned every aspect of the restaurant industry from working at his family’s Greek-Armenian restaurant. He worked his way up from busboy to waiter to bartender to manager. Restaurants are in his blood, as both of his grandfathers owned restaurants; one opened a pizzeria across from Bloomingdales, and the other was the chef at a prominent restaurant in Athens, Greece.

AUGUST 2022

Dee reminisced about a restaurant he used to visit in Montreal called “Pizza Mella.” That experience inspired him to open a restaurant in Forest Hills. He wanted Dee’s to be casual and to focus on pizza. French cuisine continued to influence him through his culinary training at The French Culinary Institute in SoHo. There, he trained under three of the most renowned chefs of the time: Jacques Pepin, Andre Soltner of Lutece, and Alain Sailhac of Le Cirque. I could feel Dee’s passion for pizza when we spoke. He said, “pizza is like a canvas with endless options. It’s exciting!” Most pizzerias “dust the bench”—which is an industry term for dusting the bottom surface with flour. The reason for this is so the crust doesn’t stick to the peel, also known as the paddle. It also adds a little char to the bottom of the crust as it burns. When I asked Dee how his pizza is different, he said, “we dust the bench with semolina which helps the dough’s crispiness and creates air pockets and airflow which causes heat bubbles.” Semolina is like grainy sand and is a healthier alternative to flour. If you CONTINUED ON PG. 30

The “Magic” is in the Recipe By: Laura Licona

AIGNER CHOCOLATES

103-02 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375 aignerchocolates.com

RACHEL KELLNER AND MARK LIBERTINI

If you’re ever in need of a good pick-me-up, some positive energy, a sweet treat with a side of heal-the-world vibes, drop in for artisanal chocolate and a conversation with chocolate shop owners Mark and Rachel on a just-as-sweet corner in Forest Hills. When I say it was a treat to drop by the shop, I mean this in the way that chocolate, as life, can be the experience you need when you didn’t even know what you wanted. Greeted with the inviting smiles of family, it’s clear that chocolate equals community leadership in this neck of Queens. “Our chocolate empowers the community,” simply stated on their Facebook page (check out their Instagram where they have quite a following), translates into informal business alliances, focus groups, bringing back the holiday lights, and all sorts of stories of spreading joy and cohesion throughout the neighborhood. Standing at a work bench in a candy kitchen that has been there for over 92 years I wondered, what does “impact” look like when you’re a small business owner and community leader? It looks like giving away chocolate when that feels right, spreading good fortune and paying it forward when you are doing well, creating a “metro village” to support all of the other business owners around you, bringing in foot traffic and young interns to provide opportunities for others – it looks like being the kind of business-owners who want to make enough money to give back – “to heal the world in some way through chocolate.” Their business model is solid and sound, focused and practical. They are excellent at making connections that benefit the group and care more about innovation and kindness than simply profit. They have Mark’s

unique and trending visionary and creative genius, and Rachel’s positive, nurturing leadership and humanitarian business savvy. Oh, and did I mention the Austrian chocolate is a heavenly, creamy-smooth delight, both antique and modern at the same time? Yeah. It’s a recipe for joy and Wonka-style “magic.”

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

CONTINUED FROM PG. 15

LONG ISLAND CITY ADDA INDIAN CANTEEN www.addanyc.com Neighborhood restaurant focuses on regional Indian home cooking. ASTORIA SEAFOOD astoriaseafoodnyc.com Family-owned, counter-serve, BYOB seafood market with create-your-own eats in busy, old-school digs. BIG ALICE BREWING bigalicebrewing Big Alice Brewing is a licensed New York State farm brewery dedicated to crafting innovative, locally sourced beer. BLEND ON THE WATER blendonthewater.com Modern restaurant & lounge featuring cocktails, gourmet Latin-inspired eats & expansive water views.

THE LOCAL PRESS thelocalpressnyc.com Modern American Bistro serves Mexican and Asian-inspired plates.

TOURNESOL tournesolnyc.com French eatery serving traditional bistro fare and regional wine in an intimate space.

QUEENS VILLAGE

MASPETH FOR FIVE COFFEE ROASTERS forfivecoffee.com Specialty coffee roasting and wholesale business with a roasting facility in Maspeth. O’NEILLS oneittsmaspeth.com Family owned and operated for 87 years. O’NEILL’S first opened its doors as a restaurant on December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition ended. PATRIZIA’S OF MASPETH patriziasofmaspeth.com Known for pizza, and other Italian standards, plus a family-style dinner menu, and desserts.

ACADEMY OF COFFEE PROJECT NY coffeeprojectny.com/cafe-locations Project aims to improve the quality of life for every person in the coffee supply chain, from producers to consumers.

ROSA’S PIZZA Corner Pizzeria serves pizza, heroes, wings, and Italian parmigiana dishes.

FIFTH HAMMER BREWING COMPANY fifthhammerbrewing.com Brewery and Taproom in Long Island City, open 7 days a week. JOHN BROWN BBQ johnbrownbbq.net Counter-service BBQ spot serving Kansas City-style meats along with sides, salads. beer and wine.

THE BEAST NEXT DOOR Thebeastnextdoor.com Friendly local cocktail bar with artisanal flair.

SPICE KITCHEN spicekitchenmaspeth.com Low-key eatery with warm decor, serving familiar Indian and Nepalese fare.

MIDDLE VILLAGE

LITTLE CHEF LITTLE CAFÉ littlecheflittlecafe.com Health-conscious cafe serves coffee, smoothies, salads, and bowls.

LONDON LENNIES londonlennies.com Owned and operated by the Barnes Family since 1959, London Lennie’s is the premier seafood restaurant in Queens.

M. WELLS magasinwells.com Canadian chef Hugue Dufour offers his avant-garde take on a steakhouse at this funky LIC chop-shop touting a Michelin rating.

NUR THAI nurthai.com This Thai restaurant serves modern interpretations of classic Thai cuisine and is known for quality, and unique preparation.

MINA’S NYC minas.nyc Vibrant, Greek-inspired dishes shine in an all-white, minimalist dining room at MoMa PS1.

TASTE OF SAMARKAND tasteofsamarkand.com Kosher Uzbek restaurant upholds Uzbek food traditions, and is considered an oasis in Queens.

SWEETLEAF COFFEE & COCKTAIL BAR sweetleafcoffee.com A local fixture among the new, glittering skyscrapers of the Long Island City waterfront.

OZONE PARK

18 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

DON PEPPE donpeppenyc.com A destination for family-style Italian dining since 1942.

AUGUST 2022

CARA MIA caramiarestaurant.com Family-owned business since 1970 serves Italian recipes from several generations of the DeCiantis family of Broccostella, Italy.

REGO PARK CHEBURECHNAYA cheburechnaya-queens.com Kosher Uzbek restaurant serves hearty Uzbek eats, meat kebabs, grandma-style stews, samsas, and lagman, a Bukharian specialty. MARANI maraninyc com Glatt Kosher Georgian restaurant offers family style meals and a farm to table menu in a modern setting.

RICHMOND HILL ALFIE’S PIZZA facebook.com/Alfies-Pizza Family-owned neighborhood Sicilian pizza joint, famous for their original style pizza with the sauce on top of the cheese. CLASSIC DINER theclassicdiner.com Serves breakfast and classic homestyle entrees along with their Neptune Masterpiece seafood dinners and a unique line of burgers. CURRY ROTI BOX curryrotibox.com This is a family-run restaurant serving authentic and homey Guyanese and Trinidadian food. SPOLINI’S Spolinismenu.com Authentic Southern Style Italian Restaurant. SULTAN’S DINE Sultansdineny Halal restaurant rated best biryani. Dine-in, take-out and catering options available.

RIDGEWOOD BRIDGE AND TUNNEL BREWERY bridgeandtunnetbrewery.com Family-owned micro-brewery and taproom with nearly 15 unique beers and ciders on tap. Sells beer by the pint, flight, and 16oz cans to take home.

CANTINA 33 Instagram.com/cantina33nyc Traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, full bar, great cocktails, beer, and wine. CREAM RIDGEWOOD creamridgewood.com Caribbean and Latin fusion cuisine from the heart, inspired by the dynamic cultural backgrounds of the chef and his team. EVIL TWIN BREWING NYC eviltwin.nyc Small nanobrewery and taproom with 20 rotating taps, frozen cocktails, natural wines, NYS ciders, and much more. FLYING FOX TAVERN instagram.com/flyingfoxtavern/?hl=en Horror themed family tavern serving lamb-based Shepherd’s Pie to a gooey French Onion Soup, and a couple of slightly bizarre but welcome vegan-ized updates. JULIA’S juliasridgewood.com Julia’s is an all-day café featuring weekend brunch, full bar, natural wines and craft beer. LTAUHA instagram.com/ltauha_restaurant Upscale restaurant featuring classic American meals, cocktails & brunch in calm, understated digs. NORMA’S CORNER SHOPPE normascornershoppe.com Corner bakery and cafe serving locally roasted coffee, sandwiches and an array of cakes and pastries. QUEENS BREWERY queensbrewery.com Crafts world-class beers, coffee, and cocktails, and regularly hosts live performances and events. WHILE IN KATHMANDU whileinkathmanduny.com A cornerstone Nepalese restaurant in the Ridgewood community serving momos, wings, and skewers. Sit indoors or outdoors, in the charming backyard space.

ROCKAWAYS AMPLE HILLS CREAMERY amplehills.com The largest ice cream production facility in New York City with a mission to share joy, one scoop at a time. BUNGALOW BAR bungalowbarny.com Casual waterfront restaurant and bar offering a raw bar, American mains, a deck and live music

CUISINE BY CLAUDETTE cuisinebyclaudette.nyc Local counter-service spot for take-out on the way to the beach. Vegan options available.

FREDERICK’S SOUL HOLE instagram.com/frederickssoulhole Soul food restaurant rated best in the area for beef rib tips, baked mac and cheese, and greens.

ELEGANTE elegantepizzeriarestaurant.com Longtime pizza parlor doling out pies, pasta & other Italian classics in a modest setting.

ST. ALBANS facebook.com/thesmokehousequeens

ROCKAWAY BEACH SURF CLUB rockawaybeachsurfclub.com A cultural event space, restaurant, and bar devoted to promoting the love of surfing, conserving the environment, and supporting its local neighborhood. THAI ROCK thairock.us Family-owned upscale Thai restaurant and live music establishment. UMA’S umasrockaway.com Modern and lively restaurant focuses on Uzbek food, known for kebabs, dumplings, salads, and rice-based dishes. WHIT’5 END whitsendnyc.com Cozy storefront option for creative pizza & seasonal New American-Italian specials with BYOB ROCKAWAY BREWING rockawaybrewco.com Warehouse space adorned with funky decor and picnic tables, serving its own brews in pints and growlers with tight bites.

ROSEDALE PA-NASH EUROSOUL panashnyc.com A Caribbean, Mediterranean, & Soul Food Fusion Catering company

SOUK EL SHATER instagram.com/soukelshater Family-owned and operated counter-serve nook offering Middle Eastern sandwiches with halal meat, plus baked goods and groceries.

WOODSIDE BOLIVIAN LLAMA PARTY blp.nyc Family-owned Bolivian restaurant has been recognized for its innovative take on Bolivian cuisine by the NY Times, Eater, Gothamist, CNN, and TimeOut.

THE SMOKEHOUSE

WHITESTONE

Authentic Jamaican Jerk & Southern BBQ from the very essence of the southern and Caribbean culture of the community.

CONCETTINA RESTAURANT concettinarestaurant.com Authentic Italian food in the heart of Whitestone, Queens.

CASA DEL CHEF Instagram.com/casadelchef Snug bistro serving locally sourced New American cuisine and wine in a country-style setting.

SUNNYSIDE

ERIN’S ISLE erinsisleny.com Family-owned restaurant and bar open since 1985, serving up Continental and Northern Italian cuisine.

DAWA’S dawasnyc.com Dawa’s offers authentic, nomadic Himalayan and New American cuisine in a warm and relaxing setting.

THE CLINTON

KATHMANDU FUSION KITCHEN facebook.com/Kathmandufusionkitchen Features some of the most unique Himalayan & Nepalese cuisine in Woodside.

I LOVE PARAGUAY ilovepy.com Family-owned Paraguayan restaurant. The food is inspired by their indigenous roots and many of the dishes have Guarani names, the national language of Paraguay. PHILOMENA’S philomenasqueens.com Neighborhood pizza place, owned by a dough wizard, Dave Acocella, a longtime Sunnyside resident. RINCON MELANIA rinconmelanianyc.com Family-owned Ecuadorian restaurant with roots in the Canari tribe, the restaurant’s menu is a culinary treat. SOFRA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL soframediterraneangrillmenu.com Turkish restaurant focuses on healthy flavors of the Mediterranean with an innovative twist on authentic family recipes. SOLE LUNA solelunanyc.com Italian restaurant and café owned by a restaurateur from Milan, and his wife. Co-owed with restaurateurs from Puglia, Italy.

facebook.com/pages/category/Italian-Restaurant/The-Clinton-Restaurant

The Babich family celebrates three generations of serving the Whitestone community with a homemade Italian experience.

WOODHAVEN

KUSINA PINOY BISTRO kusinapinoybistrony.com Homey Filipino restaurant with live music. Food is described by journalists as messy happiness.

BRISAS DEL MAR 2 facebook.com/BrisasdelmarNY Seafood restaurant with Latin American specialties. Friendly, attentive, service with an adjacent fish market.

LA FLOR orderlaflor.com Warm and cozy spot with a menu featuring the best of Mexican fusion and comfort food.

EMBAJADA facebook.com/embajadarestaurant Popular Dominican spot with good food and lively nightlife. NEIR’S TAVERN neirstavern.com Among the oldest and most historic bars in the country, it is one of the few bars that have been in the same location for its entire history.

MIS TIERRAS COLOMBIANAS

mistierrascolombianaswoodside.com

Relaxed Colombian joint serving traditional fare, such as seafood and empanadas, plus beer and coffee. SIK GAEK sikgaekwoodside.com A widely praised Korean BBQ and seafood restaurant.

QUEENS BEST - THE PODCAST, hosted by Laura Licona and Jef Gross, officially launched their first episode in early June. Tune in and listen as these two dish on the ethnically diverse restaurant scene of Queens. In addition, they’re sharing nuggets of information about Queens Chamber and the tremendous work this organization does on behalf of the business community. The first episode is streaming now on: Podbean App, Amazon Music/Audible, and iHeartRadio to name a few. Don’t miss out. Tune in today!!

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

The Healing Power of

ART By: Rona Davis

Healing Practices: Stories from Himalayan Americans opened on March 18, 2022 at the Rubin Museum, and will be on view until January 16, 2023 with free admissions every Friday. Tickets are required and timed to avoid crowding. A plethora of resources to incorporate well-being into our daily routines are available on the museum’s website. In the Healing Practices Issue of the Rubin Museum’s Magazine, Spiral, two members of the advisory group who played an instrumental part in the collaboration of the current exhibit are featured. The advisory group comprises artists, medical professionals, spiritual leaders, activists, educators, and art therapists. In the interview, Dr. Kunga Wangdue and Pema Dorjee, a registered nurse and the current president of the Tibetan Nurses Association, share their firsthand experiences. They discuss how they responded to the Himalayan and Tibetan communities in Queens during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they incorporate compassion into their daily routine of caring for others. Both practitioners drew parallels between art and compassion and art as healing, and they inspired me to consider the relevance of art in our current societal crisis. What can we learn from ancient practices that relied on art to heal, and why is there a prevalent need to support the arts? How can art strengthen our communities? Organizations are growing in support of the arts within our communities. One of several examples is Queens Rising. This initiative emerged from the Arts Advisory Board of Kupferberg Center at Queens College with a mission to give exposure to underrepresented artists, as well as to serve as a hub that connects artists, venues, and businesses and promotes the boroughs of Queens and beyond. Other organizations like Citizen Racecar help brands create compelling content to inspire new interactions. We are all racing to put art, creativity, and inspiration back on the plate of our daily lives. Tibetan Buddhism may not be for everyone. We don’t have to share the same passion for the arts. Creativity may not come easily for everyone. Healing can be experienced through the subtle joy or ecstasy that stems from creating a piece of art— the arrangement on a plate—a journal entry. This may seem underwhelming to some, but it seems like we’re creating change through a new way of living. I’ve understood Queens as the most diverse neighborhood in the United States. Still, it wasn’t until I learned about the unique ways the Tibetan and Himalayan communities in Queens came together during a time of crisis that I began to grasp how little I knew about my borough. I thank the Rubin Museum for their response to a society in dire need of addressing the medical and mental health crises, for the tools to live with compassion for ourselves and each other.

20 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022

FESTIVAL OF CINEMA NYC returns for its 6th year, as a live in-person 10-day event, August 5 - August 14. Taking place at the Regal UA Midway theater and the Queens Library in Forest Hills, Queens, FOC NYC will showcase 124 of the best independent films from more than 25 countries. Over 90 filmmakers anticipated to be in attendance. The premiere rich film festival includes 12 world premieres, 7 North American premieres, and 13 East Coast premieres. Screenings of shortand feature length films in all genres include documentaries, dramas, come dies, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, children, family and more.

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QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | NEWS

GLIMPSE SOCIAL

SpotOn

DOWNLOAD APP TO SUPPORT QUEENS LOCAL BUSINESSES

NAMED TOP PERFORMER IN BAR AND RESTAURANT POS, CUSTOMER LOYALTY, AND ONLINE ORDERING SOFTWARE

I used to work for LinkedIn, and I believed in that platform; it does a lot of good. However, it is primarily focused on big business. I therefore created Glimpse Social, a free app for businesses and users, to safely connect our communities and help get feet in the door of minority-owned, underserved, and independent businesses, of which Queens celebrates many. Queens, one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the US, is one of my favorite areas in New York City; I love the close-knit neighborhoods boasting multiculturalism and inclusivity. It’s heart-breaking to see the over 1000 restaurants that were not able to keep their doors open due to the COVID pandemic. Glimpse Social can help Queens recuperate by bridging the gap between independent businesses, residents, and people passing through hoping to discover a cool new hotspot. Whether you’re looking for somewhere new to try out for dinner or the best deal on a haircut, you do not have to follow the crowds and visit the same big-name corporation, you can flip on Glimpse Social to explore the neighborhood, find something new, and support those businesses currently struggling to gain visibility. You can even follow your favorites so you never miss out on what’s going on. Each business gets a pin on the interactive Glimpse Social map, color-coded depending on category. Users download the app, browse, and click on the surrounding pins, from restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, gyms or even grocery stores to view exclusive content posted by the businesses. This content could be a simple advert, a photo of what’s going on that day or even a short video introducing the team, promoting an event, or offering special deals.

SpotOn is one of the fastest-growing software and payment companies with comprehensive, cloud-based technology for businesses of all types and sizes, has been recognized as a top performer in Customer Loyalty, Online Ordering, Bar POS, and Restaurant POS Software products by Capterra, a Gartner company and free online service that helps organizations find the right software solutions for their operations.

LEADING RESTAURANT FROM BRAZIL PLANS TO OPEN FIRST QUEENS LOCATION IN ELMHURST

22 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022

Known for its rapid innovation and personalized support, SpotOn offers an end-to-end software and payment platform to streamline operations, improve the customer experience, and increase profit. From seamless and efficient point-ofsale systems to integrated management solutions built for the fast-growing enterprise, SpotOn builds technology that “works the way you work”, and backs it up with a 24/7 team of experts who make sure it always does—with fairness, flexibility, and a personal touch. SpotOn has 2,000 employees, including one of the strongest product and technology teams in the combined software & payments industry. “We built a software, payment, service and support model from the ground up to help restaurants be more successful,” said Kevin Bryla, Head of Customer Experience at SpotOn. “Being ranked by restaurateurs as the best platform is incredibly motivating for us to stay focused on delivering for our customer.” To prepare their restaurant and bar clients for success, SpotOn provides an unparalleled level of service to ensure they feel supported throughout the customer journey and make the best use of their software integrations. Throughout the onboarding and activation phases, SpotOn empowers clients with indepth training and procedures including in-person and live, online training, webinars, and an extensive portfolio of documentation and videos. Throughout the partnership, support is available 24/7 with real-time phone support, automated help desk and email assistance, and an archive of product-specific FAQs, forums, and articles. This award comes on the heels of SpotOn’s latest client-focused initiatives, including “Points of Profit,” a roadmap for operators to protect profit margin from the effects of inflation and labor challenges, and recent partnership with MarginEdge to integrate inventory management to help clients improve their bottom line.

Contact: Melinda Reyes SpotOn Account Executive 718-506-4224 • mreyes@spoton.com www.spoton.com

LIDL TO REPLACE DSW AT QUEENS PLACE MALL SLATED TO OPEN EARLY 2024 By: Queens Ledger Staff news@queensledger.com

Residents of Elmhurst and its surrounding neighborhoods will no longer have to trek to Astoria to visit a Lidllocation. The well-loved grocery store will soon open up a brand new location inside the basement of Queens Place Mall, replacing DSW— whose lease will expire this August. The location is conveniently accessible via the Q58 and Q60 buses, as well as the M and R trains. Madison International Realty announced that the store signed a long term lease, and is estimated to open in the first quarter of 2024. Local Queens leaders were pleased with the news that Lidl would become closer to home for many residents, and praised the benefits that the development has to offer to the community. “On behalf of the oldest and largest business association in Queens, it is my pleasure to congratulate Madison International Realty on adding this globally-recognized company to their tenant roster, and Lidl on opening a second location in the ‘World’s Borough,’” Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce said.

“This supermarket will seek to create quality job opportunities and provide an affordable place to buy groceries for residents of Elmhurst and the surrounding neighborhoods. We look forward to celebrating the opening in 2024 and shopping at the Queens Place Mall Lidl for years to come.”

Queens Place Mall (Photo: Madison International Realty

Lidl has been celebrated for its shopping experience by prominent publications in the past, including Food & Wine Magazine and USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards. The company offers a leading wages and benefits package, including healthcare for all full and part-time employees, regardless of number of hours worked per week. “Lidl is well-known for its good-paying jobs, affordable prices, and its diverse, healthy, and high-quality food offerings, so we are very excited that the company will be opening a second store here in Queens,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said. “Lidl’s Astoria location has been a big hit with shoppers, and we are looking forward to the same kind of success as the company branches into Elmhurst in service of central Queens families.”

The interior of Lidl’s Harlem location. (Photo: Lidl)

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Lidl operates more than 170 stores on the East Coast, with 25 in New York state. Queens Place is part of a 2.5 million-squarefoot, 15-property New York City retail portfolio that Madison acquired from Forest City Realty Trust. The real estate private equity firm acquired a 49 percent stake in Queens Place in 2011 and purchased the remaining 51 percent in 2018. Construction for the new Lidl location is estimated to begin by the end of this year.

H-Mart opens new location in Flushing By: Daniel Offner doffner@queensledger.com

H-Mart, the country’s largest Asian supermarket chain, celebrated the grand opening of its newest location at 142-41 Roosevelt Ave. in Flushing this past week. People were lined up outside the door early Thursday, waiting for the opportunity to shop at the supermarket franchise’s newest Queens location. The 17,300 square-foot site was originally home to a Key Food supermarket, which closed in 2010 after serving the community for decades. It was later replaced by New

York Mart, a similar Asian food market that closed last year, leaving a portion of the Flushing community without a local supermarket. “It’s great to have the H-Mart here serving the community, occupying space in a vacant building that was quickly becoming a neighborhood eyesore,” City Councilwoman Sandra Ung said in her weekly newsletter. “Judging from the line of shoppers eager to get in at 10 a.m. and the long line still waiting to get in at 6 p.m., people are excited.” Short for the phrase “Han Ah Reum,” which

H-Mart loosely translates to “an arm full of groceries,” H-Mart opened its first location in the nearby Woodside community back in 1982. Since then, what began as a small corner CONTINUED ON PG. 30

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | EVENTS

It’s In Queens WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, ALL THE BELOW EVENTS ARE OUTDOORS. IN OTHER WORDS, IT’S AUGUST! AND AS TO BE EXPECTED, THE BOROUGH’S DIVERSITY SHINES THROUGH AS THE OPTIONS INCLUDE MUSIC, KAYAKING, MEDITATIONS, JAPANESE ART, ORCHIDS, AND DANCE. PLEASE READ ON. By: Rob MacKay Director, Public Relations, Marketing & Tourism, Queens Economic Development Corporation

Aug. 2, Aug. 30 • 7pm Sunset Meditation Socrates Sculpture Park 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC Weekly sessions for all experience levels. Practices include mindful breathing and walking, gentle optional stretching, and loving-kindness meditation.

Aug. 5, Aug. 14 Festival of Cinema NYC Two Forest Hills locations: Regal UA Midway 108-22 Queens Blvd. Queens Library Branch 108-19 71st Ave. More than 120 independent films screen during this sixth annual festival. This year’s lineup consists of 38 blocks in such genres as Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, and Thriller. Plus, at least 90 filmmakers are expected to participate in Q&A sessions

Aug. 5 • 11am Free First Friday Noguchi Museum 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC On the first Friday of every month, admission is free. However, visits must be scheduled in advance due to COVID. Aug. 6 • 11am Rock The Bells Festival Forest Hills Stadium One Tennis Pl. Forest Hills Gardens Queens native LL Cool J is an organizer and one of several bigname performers in this concert, which is considered to be a love letter to Hip Hop. Other heavy hitters are Ice Cube, Roxanne Shanté, Lil’ Kim, Cam’ron, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Jadakiss, and Scarface. Aug. 6 • 11am Jamaica Bay Community Cleanup + Kayak Paddle Dubos Point Beach 65th Street and Decosta Avenue, Arverne RISE Rockaway organizes this stewardship event and provides a limited number of kayaks.

Aug. 10 • 7PM Monthly Jazz Jam

24 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022

Flushing Town Hall 137-35 Northern Blvd. On the second Wednesday of the month, musicians hone skills and jam with peers. The house band is led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. Don’t play? Don’t worry! Listen!

Aug. 12, Aug. 14 Taiwan: A World of Orchids Queens Botanical Garden 43-50 Main St., Flushing This ninth annual exhibition is presented via a partnership with the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in New York. Consider more than 750 pots of orchids, crafts, yo-yo tricks, Chinese calligraphy, and a tea ceremony.

Aug. 14 • 5PM Hyuna Park Cultural Lab LIC 5-25 46th Ave., LIC Award-winning jazz pianist Hyuna Park’s musical universe is deeply connected to NYC’s jazz tradition while also embracing her Korean and classical roots. She gives an outdoor concert with Midtown Manhattan views in the background. Aug. 18 • 7PM Zac Brown Band Citi Field 41 Seaver Way, Flushing This popular Country group performs with special guests Cody Johnson and the Robert Randolph Band.

Aug. 20, Aug. 21 • 1pm Let’s Get Free Flushing Meadows Corona Park, vicinity of the Unisphere Missy Elliott, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Ozuna, Wizkid, Beenie Man, Flatbush Zomies, Bomba Estéreo, and other big names in Hip Hop, Brazilian Carnival, and Afropunk perform. Aug. 21 • 1pm Fantastic Asian Omelets Flushing Town Hall 137-35 Northern Blvd. Learn, cook, and taste various Asian omelets during this annual summer workshop with Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou, Dr. Yi-Nian Lee, and the students from Overseas Chinese University of Taiwan. Experience omelets from Thailand, China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam—each with its own unique flavors and cooking techniques.

Aug. 27 • 11am Fourth Annual Caribbean Carnival O’Donohue Park, vicinity of Beach 17th Street and Seagirt Boulevard, Far Rockaway An outdoor celebration of West Indian culture, art, cuisine, and history. Aug. 28 • 4pm Bang on a Can Noguchi Museum 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC Celebrating a twelfth season of collaboration, Bang on a Can and The Noguchi Museum present a monthly concert series in the garden and galleries from June through September. In August, Canadian virtuoso Jessica Moss performs solo with violin, voice, and pedal boards.

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LETS BEAUTIFY JAMAICA TOGETHER ZARA'S PHILANTHROPY Involvement on community boards richmond hill hs computer lab Voices of Jamaica features community events Fundraising

166-07 Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 718.291.3331 • application@zararealty.com QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more

than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

120 Wall Street, 9th Fl., New York, NY 10005 aafederation.org QUICK GLANCE: The Asian American Federation’s mission is to raise the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, policy advocacy, public awareness and organizational development. Established in 1989, the Federation is a panAsian non-profit organization representing a network of community service agencies in the Northeast. These agencies work in the fields of health & human services, education, economic development, civic participation, and social justice.

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over

350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Ed Probst Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@baysideba.com baysideba.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1997, the Bayside

Business Association services all of Bayside business to address issues and concerns those businesses have with regards to running their businesses.

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

78-27 37 Ave., Ste. 1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@accompanycapital.org QUICK GLANCE: Accompany Capital is an

award-winning Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) micro lender that provides small and micro business owners in New

26 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

York City with low-cost loans, access to business training & technical assistance, and one-on-one counseling. Accompany Capital has disbursed over $34 million in loans and assisted over 10,000 immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in New York City since its founding as Business Center for New Americans (BCNA) in 1997, as well as provided workshops and one-on-one advice on business management and marketing to over 10,000 businesses.

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

85 S. Oxford Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.624.9115 bocnet.org QUICK GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures. At the heart of our mission is the belief that whatever their differences, people and communities share a common goal: to achieve economic stability and growth. Working in partnership with culturally diverse individuals and organizations in support of this shared goal is the hallmark of BOC.

CHHAYA CDC

37-43 77th Street, #2 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718.478.3848 chhayacdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Core to our strategy is organizing and advocating for systemic changes that remove the barriers to well-being, housing stability, and economic mobility for our communities. For over 20 years, Chhaya has served tens of thousands of individuals and led the charge on key policy issues for immigrants, such as basement legalization, language access, tenants’ rights, and more.

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led by Wellington Chen, was formed in 2006 as new start-up from grounds up to bring residents, business owners and community groups together to rebuild Chinatown following 9/11, and to preserve the neighborhood’s unique culture while ensuring its vitality in the future through strategic positioning. With the highly popular Weekend Walks street festive series, Mid-Autumn Festival, One Day in NYC, annual Beautification/Earth Day, East West

AUGUST 2022

Parade with Little Italy, Double Valentine’s Day to promote the softer side of Chinatown and the Jewelry District and all the cafes, eateries in the area. Explore Chinatown marketing initiative, Lunar Stages outdoor film screenings, and Taste of Chinatown street events, Chinatown Partnership helps promote the area as a special destination to live, work, and visit.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group

has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.

GATEWAY JFK

516.730.3400 info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: GatewayJFK is a public-pri-

vate partnership providing neighborhood services, improvements and advocacy for the District’s off-airport cargo community and all who live, work or visit the area. A vital link in the global supply chain, GatewayJFK is a distinct and unique NYC neighborhood of major economic significance to the region, the nation, and the world.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and repre-

senting over 200 businesses.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 President: Hope Knight 718.291.0282 gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group

has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more

than 350 businesses under its umbrella on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram) @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica

Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 million, the BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430 Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci President: Al DePhillips Vice President: Joseph Morra JFKCoCExec@gmail.com jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has

over 200 members. The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a group of business people in and around JFK Airport. It is the only airport in the nation to have its own Chamber of Commerce. The chamber seeks to create an environment in which members of the business community can work together to enhance the growth, well being and economic development of the airport community and its aviation industry.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Long

Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have

120 members and a budget of $115,000.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 busi-

nesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 busi-

nesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MURRAY HILL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NY

P.O. Box 1897 New York, NY 10156 212.886.5867 murrayhillnyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Murray Hill is a unique residential neighborhood in midtown Manhattan. While there is no formal boundary for the neighborhood, the area served by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and its sister organization the Manhattan East Community Association (MECA) extends from Fifth Avenue eastward to the East River and from 42nd Street down to 26th Street (encompassing the 10016 postal code).

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over

300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a

resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

info@rockawaybusinessalliance.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a

resource for over 200 businesses. The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the Rockaway

Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org QUICK GLANCE: REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the commu-

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE Fusion Recovery 130 Central Avenue Lawrence, NY 11599 https://www.fusionrecovery.com Contact: Mitchell Bauman mitch@fusionrecovery.com

SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS Fogo de Chao Antonio Guadagnino -CPA 92-50 59th Avenue 1945 75th Street Elmhurst, NY 11373 East Elmhurst, NY 11370 https://www.fogo.com Contact: Antonio Guadagnino Contact: Desiree Maneri Dmaneri@fogo.com MrTotoG@AOL.COM

CORPORATE Ing Groups 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 2100 New York, NY 10022 https://www.inggroups.com Contact: Samuel Ing sam@inggroups.com Our group is always interested in new and exciting projects. Whether it is real estate development, energy, technology or consumer business. We have the ability tofinance investments with strong growth potential. Especially interesting are projects where we can leverage both our expertise and relationships. The Sandhu Group 15 Taft Avenue Inwood, NY 11096 Contact: Tejpal Singh tj.sandhugroup@gmail.com Triumvirate Environmental 42-14 19th Avenue Astoria, NY 11105 https://www.triumvirate.com Contact: Alicia Aniello aaniello@triumvirate.com Passionate about customer service and dedicated to safety, we have been providing environmental services to world-renowned companies for more than 30 years.

Complete Safety Services 4142 24th Street, Suite 1403 Long Island City, NY 11101 https://www.completesafetyny.com Contact: info@completesafetyny.com Devjee Inc. 115 Beach 62nd Street, Unit #B Arverne, NY 11692 https://www.devjee.com Contact: Kathirvel Kumararaja kraja@devjee.com Empanada On The Rise 102-12 163rd Road Howard Beach, NY 11414 Equitable Advisors 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 300 Woodbury, NY 11797 https://www.equitable.com/equitable-advisors Contact: Xavier Mattone xavier.mattone@equitablecom Festive Brand USA 12-07 Astoria Blvd Astoria, NY 11102 Contact: Padma Bhandari festiveusany@gmail.com

J & M Corporate Painter Inc. 3652 Lee Blvd, Suite 733 Jefferson Valley, NY 10535 https://www.jmcorporatepainter.net Contact: Maureen Arinimaureen@jmcorporatepainter.com MEJ Wealth Advisors LLC 13-07 209th Street Bayside, NY 11360 https://www.mejwealthadvisors.com Contact: Mark Johnson mark@mejwealthadvisors.com Pig Beach BBQ 35-37 36th Street Astoria, NY 11106 https://www.pigbeachncy.com Contact: Andrew Brennan andrew@pigbeachnyc.com Structure Point LLC 146-17 182nd Street Springfield Garden, NY 11413 Contact: sp@structurepointbuilders.com The Salvation Army 45-18 Broadway Long Island City, NY 11103 https://www.salvationarmy.org Contact: Alexander Vargas alexander.vargas@use.salvationarmy.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES nity, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway Peninsula.

STEINWAYASTORIAPARTNERSHIP BID

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Marie Torniali 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has

over 300 members. The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompasses all 300 business located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secrets, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family-owned shops.

28 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of

$55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org

AUGUST 2022

QUICK GLANCE: The BID has a budget of

approximately $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella. The mission of Sunnyside Shines is to invigorate and enrich the economic life of the neighborhood by creating a safe and dynamic commercial district.

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004

and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue in Jamaica.

QUEENS CHAMBER BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Howard Graf

Patrick Yu

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Richard Dzwlewicz

Michelle Stoddart

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chair

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patricia Mezeul Nash Roe

President & CEO

Thomas J. Santucci

Secretary

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

William Blake Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Dominick Ciampa George Rozansky Joseph Farber Gerard Thornton Louis D. Laurino Jeff Levine Joseph M. Mattone, Sr

QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is published 12 times a year for $12.50 annually by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131. Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kenneth J. Buettner Stephanie Baldwin Chad E. Callahan Sal Crifasi David Diraio Steven DeClara

Richard Dzwlewicz Charles Everett, Jr. Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf Raymond Irrera

Kenneth Koenig Lorraine Chambers Lewis Bert Lurch Meredith Marshall Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul

Melinda Murray-Nyack Maria Odysseus Stephen Preuss Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago

Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Sher Sparano Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan

Mark Weprin Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS 365 Data Centers A&L Cesspool Services Corp AARP Above All Pressure Cleaning Abrams Fensterman Ads Engineers, DPC Aeroterm Amna Construction Corp Antun’s of Queens Village Aora Development Approved General Contracting Inc., ARK Development LLC Aurora Contractors, Inc. Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service Bank of America BedRock Real Estate Partners, LLC Berkshire HathawayHomeservices

Laffey International Realty BJ’s Wholesale Club Blumenfeld Development Group, Ltd. Capital One Bank Carben Construction Inc. Carter Milchman and Frank CBRE CDS-Mestel Construction Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Champion Elevator Corp. Ciampa Organization Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC Cipico Construction, Inc. CitizensRx CLEAR Secure, Inc. Combs & Company Complete Supply

Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell Tech Cort CPower Energy Management Crann Integrated Solutions Crescent Properties, Inc Cross County Savings Bank Crown Castle Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd Dedline AV Direct Clean Service Solutions East Coast Energy Group Eastern American Technologies EDGE AUTO INC Emigrant Mortgage Company Enterprise Fleet Management EOS Electrical Corp EW Howell Construction Group First Central Savings Bank

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Adrienne Whaley Queens Underground Black & Brown Film Festivals queensunderground718@gmail.com Kelsey Brow Kings Manor Museum director@kingsmanor.org

BANKING & LAW

Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com Jackie Harounian Wisselman, Harounian & Associates jackie@lawjaw.com

COMMUNICATIONS Jake Oliver Anat Gerstein jake@anatgerstein.com Henry Ramos Dedline AV henry@dedlineav.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com Prabhleen S. Virk Citrin Cooperman pvirk@citrincooperman.com

ENERGY

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com

Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com

Azra Khalfan-Kermali Plaques by Azra azra@azra.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION

NOT FOR PROFIT

Bill Staniford Rentigo bill@staniford.com Deepti Sharma Food To Eat deepti@foodtoeat.com

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Wendy Phaff Gennaro Queens Center for Progress wphaff@queenscp.com

REAL ESTATE

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Kevin Louie RIPCO klouie@ripcony.com Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com

FOOD, BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY

TECHNOLOGY

Chad Callahan Plaza College cec4@plazacollege.edu Michael Shoule JW Hampton mikes@jwhampton.com

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Vincent Gentile Vassilaros & Sons Coffee vincent@vassilaroscoffee.com

MANUFACTURING

Lina DeLaCruz Control Electropolishing Corp. lina@controlpublishing.com

Sean C. O’Rourke Combs & Company sorourke@combsandco.com Fred Canone fc1281@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Marlon Taylor NY & Atlantic Railway mtaylor@anacostia.com Phil Jones LIME philip@li.me

FLUID MECHANIC’S CORP Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc. Gatsons Electric, Inc. Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. GOLDEN AGE HOME CARE INC goPuff Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association HANAC, Inc. HE2PD, Inc. Healthy Corner Pharmacy Heatherwood Communities Himmel + Meringoff Properties HNY Ferry, LLC Hydro Quebec IKEA Queens INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry INF Associates, LLC Innovo Property Group Instacart J Strategies, Inc J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. James E Fitzgerald Jason Office Products JGM Construction Development Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Knights Collision Experts Inc. Krispy Kreme Laffey Real Estate Levine Builders Littler Mendelson, P.C. Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M & T Bank Madison International Realty Madison Realty Capital McBride Consulting & Business Mega Contracting Group LLC Mesirow Financial Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade Molloy College Mondial Automotive Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp. My Benefit Advisor, LLC NBCUniversal New York + Atlantic Railway New York Crystal Cleaning New York Islanders Hockey Club New York Life Insurance Company New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC Northwell Health Nuvo Solutions Onegroup Owareco, LLC Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Popular Bank Priority 1 Security LLC ProCleanings Co QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens College R.A.M.S. Mechanical Inc. Red Eye Group LLC REDI Group, LLC Reef Technology REIL Capital Related Retail Corporation Ripco Investment Sales RXR Realty Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank SL Green Realty Corp. Solo Energy & Electrical, Inc. Solve Together LLC Spectrum Reach Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s University Standard Group Starbucks Corporation Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Sullivan Engineering LLC SUNation Solar Systems Target TGI Office Automation The Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders The First National Bank of Long Island TLC Virtual Resiliency Total Fire Protection Transmission Developers, Inc. TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp. United Airlines United Construction & Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vista LIC Hotel, Best Western Premier Collection W & M Fire Protection Services W. SCULLY, CPA, P.C. Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 White Coffee Corp Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. York College - CUNY

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH | CONTINUED FROM PG. 16

Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen look at their 12-inch pies, you can see what he means and how evenly cooked the pies are. There is another unique thing they do— however, Dee said it was a secret! Dee’s only uses quality ingredients. Their mozzarella is sourced locally in Brooklyn. They use San Marzano tomatoes, handmilled olive oil, and salt. They do not use sugar or any kind of tomato paste. I arrived at Dee’s on a Tuesday night just before their 5 p.m. opening. Immediately, I was greeted by Andrew Arabian, the manager, and Dee’s son. Andrew is following in his father’s footsteps as he too worked his way up to manager in the family business. He was also a Division I golfer with the University of Delaware golf team. I chose to sit in the back of the restaurant, closest to their new oven. A beautiful oven, it is a hybrid of wood-fired and gas. One of the advantages of this type of oven is that it automatically rotates the pies, which helps them cook more evenly. Also, they ignite by gas and burn less wood, which creates tasty

flavors and is better for the environment. Rachel and Mark arrived a few minutes later and it was game on. As you can see, we tried four delicious pies. First was the “truffle delight,” a heavenly white pie with mushrooms, and bechamel (a butter and flour mixture also known as “Roux”) mixed with milk and seasoning. Dee’s French culinary influence came shining through on this pie. Secondly, we tried the “Forest Hills,” consisting of burrata, prosciutto de Parma, and arugula with a balsamic reduction. This unique pie was Mark’s and my favorite. We then had their “Classico Original” and a concept pie fourth, which was not on the menu called, “The Pesto.” This delicious pie included pesto, burrata, bacon, onions, and butternut squash. They rotate their menu seasonally, so hopefully “The Pesto” will be served in the fall. Nestled on Metropolitan Avenue and 74th Avenue, the recently remodeled Dee’s seats 75 in a spacious setting with a Manhattan feel. They offer six cocktail options,

MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

30 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

AUGUST 2022

11 wines, and six beer choices. There is free neighborhood parking and 2-hour metered parking from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. right in front of the restaurant, about 100 feet east of Ascan Avenue. Give Dee’s a try, you will be glad you did. Email me at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us to share your favorite Queens pizzeria and slice. CONTINUED FROM PG. 23

H-Mart grocery store has grown to include more than 97 locations nationwide. “Our new home is an extension of our Flushing stores, located on Roosevelt Avenue where loyal shoppers can enjoy Asian food, culture, drinks as well as the freshest produce, meat, seafood, and a variety of other Asian groceries at your one-stop-shop for everything Asian and more,” the company states on its Instagram page. “We would like to thank NY residents for all your love and support in making this happen.”

MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

We hope you are enjoying the newly designed, expanded Queensborough, the monthly publication of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. We, the Chamber, direct and approve all content deciding what stories are covered in each issue, editing all copy and forwarding information that is contained in the publication. BQE Media produces it for the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to highlight the outstanding business persons, services and activities that make our borough unique. We welcome all your letters, manuscripts, etc. Please send all materials to the Queens Chamber of Commerce at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 or call 718.898.8500 for more information. We reserve the right to edit for space limitations. Your support of the magazine is critical to its success. We encourage you to include Queensborough in your advertising plans. To place your ad, please call BQE Media at 718.426.7200.

QUEENSCHAMBER.ORG

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This Is Queensborough August 2022

Articles inside

Major Corporate Members

Partners & Affiliates

Lidl at Queens Place Mall H-Mart’s New Location

The Healing Power of Art Festival of Cinema NYC

The “Magic” is in the Recipe: Aigner Chocolates

Glimpse Social SpotOn

Delicious Dishes of Queens

Queens Restaurants

Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza and Kitchen

President’s Message

Jef & Laura’s Podcast