Richmond Hill resident Julia del Palacio is a dancer, historian, and arts administrator. In addition to performing with Radio Jarocho, she wears many hats at Queens College. Here are some things she loves about the World’s Borough.
Good Eats
I recently had dinner with friends at La Sala on Metropolitan Avenue in Kew Gardens, and it was delicious! The mussels were perfectly steamed and seasoned. The mofonguitos were crunchy and went amazingly well with the pernil topping, and the churros for dessert were super decadent. The music wasn’t too loud, so it allowed for nice conversation, and if you want to order wine, they bring a little cart with all their options to your table, which is fun!
Unique Treats
To shop: Being the mom of two little kids, I love going to Thank Haven on Austin Avenue in Forest Hills. They have the cutest baby outfits and toys. I could spend all day—and thousands of dollars—there, if I had the time and the money!
To hear live music: Terraza 7 in Jackson Heights! I’ve attended hundreds of shows there and I’ve performed hundreds more. Terraza 7 is a staple of Queens and the only place in NYC that features a consistent roster of high-quality Latin music of all genres for an affordable price. Plus, everyone on the staff is super nice. I will start teaching a Son Jarocho dance workshop there every second Saturday, starting Feb. 3, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Everybody is welcome!
Speaking of Son Jarocho—the traditional music and dance from Veracruz, Mexico—the NY Son Jarocho Festival takes place in Flushing Town Hall every November! Stay tuned for the 2024 dates and join master musicians from Veracruz and emerging talent from all over the East Coast.
Wander Streets
I love walking through Forest Park. I tend to stick to the main path, but it has become less enjoyable due to the electric scooters and e-bikes that drive there at high speeds. My parents also walk through the park and they have had more than one close encounter with a motorist going super-fast on the path. I’m hoping something can be done to raise awareness among the drivers so they slow down or stop going through Forest Park altogether!
Historic Feats
Editor’s note: Among the many hats that she wears, Julia del Palacio is the Associate Dean at Queens College’s School of Arts. This isn’t historic, per se, as it was founded in 2022. However, it’s poised to make history as the City University of New York system’s most comprehensive, multidisciplinary arts education with programs in theatre, dance, fashion, studio art, and design as well as the Aaron Copland School of Music, Media Studies, and the MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Translation.
Top image: Gustavo Garcia