#MonthlyPicks | What Does A Media Guru Love About Queens?
BY QEDC It's In Queens
Good Eats
I’m a creature of habit. If I like something – a place, a dish, an atmosphere – I’ll keep going back and never stop. During the pandemic, my go-to place was – and still is! – Espresso 77 on 77th Street in Jackson Heights. It’s not only that the owners and baristas are warm and incredibly nice, it’s a real community hub (and they’re about to resume live music after July 4!). Of course, the coffee and beer are terrific (my soft spot: the giant, warm pretzels and some frosé on a Friday night!). And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention their pecan bars. As I write this, I realize I am overdue for another. Check out E77’s Instagram updates via @espresso77newyork
Here’s another favorite, although I have to be semi-secret about this one so I can keep getting my orders in. The owner of Bennie’s Thai (the first Thai restaurant in Lower Manhattan) had to close during the pandemic, but the owner is now cooking out of her Elmhurst home (and I get all the same dishes I love – plus she throws in Thai iced coffee and delicious desserts). Hit me up privately at @JackHites on Twitter, and I’ll give you the hook up! Trust me – you won’t be sorry.
Unique Treats
I have to restrain myself from visiting Lety’s Bakery & Cafe on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights too often. I daydream about their pastries – I could start every morning off with one of their giant chocolate or almond croissants. My stomach is proof that I’ve too often indulged in their cheesecakes. And you must try the Russian cookies.
Wander Streets
I’m very neighborhood-focused – so of course, I absolutely love wandering around Jackson Heights on summer evenings after way-too-long days of helping nonprofits. True, it’s partially to achieve enough steps on my Apple Watch to feel like I’ve had a good workout. But it’s also because, with the right soundtrack playing, I feel like I notice something new on every street; from the single-family homes to some with mansions (or what I perceive as mansions). I go well beyond the historic district, too, and always duck into smaller shops to explore.
Historic Feats
I could go on about the Jackson Heights Historic District – but we all know Queens Economic Development Corporation’s Rob MacKay knows the history much better than I ever will! It’s wonderful to recognize the mix of neo-Tudor or French Renaissance architecture on some of the oldest buildings here, since this community originated more than a century ago (to become the first garden apartment community in the nation).
When I get out of my community – and I do, I really do! – one of my favorite places to visit is Flushing Town Hall. (Yes, it’s one of my nonprofit clients.) This now-designated landmark was once a place where Union recruits assembled during the Civil War, and later it became a bank, then a police precinct, and even a courthouse. Now, it’s a wonderful place for entertainment (and just started to let audiences return for in-person performances). One thing that always tickles newcomers is when they notice that the second-floor dressing room still has the slatted metal jail cell door attached!
Jeff Simmons has more than three decades of experience in private and public sector communications, media, and journalism. He hosts two radio shows on WBAI 99.5 FM as well as the It’s In Queens podcast. He and his husband, Alfonso Quiroz, live in Jackson Heights with their Brussels Griffons, Bruno and Stella. Follow Jeff on Twitter and Instagram at @JackHites.
Top image: Lety’s Bakery & Cafe