Shari Romar has lived in Queens for 26 years. The nature enthusiast enjoys helping others appreciate the natural world so much so that she started the podcast Queens Out of Doors.
To find out what she loves about the world’s most diverse (and delicious) borough, we combine the regular Good Eats, Wander Streets, Historic Feats, and Unique Treats categories into one essay below.
What do I love about Queens? How much time have do you have?!
I spend as much time as possible in nature, and that’s easy to do here with our diverse landscapes, ranging from forests to recreational parks, and from beaches to salt marshes. But one needs nourishment to enjoy the great outdoors, and my ideal day is a combination of eating and the outdoors. Luckily, this is easy to accomplish in Queens.
I adore French food and a visit to Long Island City’s Tournesol is always a special lunch treat. The menu is superb (I’m partial to their croque monsieur) and the lovely Patricia always makes us feel so welcome. Then it’s off to Gantry Plaza State Park for a stroll. This is a unique spot – my husband used to photograph the industrial remains of the area before it was renovated into a very user-friendly green space. Summer afternoons are great to watch pollinating insects on the garden plants as well as sea planes taking off from the East River. Winter can be brisk, but if you dress appropriately, it’s a neat spot to watch for wintering birds.
I find it hard to choose a favorite park – we have so many, and all have their special qualities — but high on the list is Little Bay Park and the adjacent Fort Totten Park. But first, a stop at Utopia Bagels for a sandwich to go. My recommendation: The Worth It — which lives up to its name — bagel, cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, and tomato. Sandwich in hand, it’s off to Little Bay Park, where it’s pretty easy to find parking and a bench to enjoy your meal and the spectacular view of the Long Island Sound and Throgs Neck Bridge. Then either stroll along the bike-and-walking path or head into Fort Totten for a dose of history and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center as the rangers are so friendly and knowledgeable!
I’ve always enjoyed farmer’s markets, and when it’s combined with another favorite park, well, I’m over the moon. And that’s what a Sunday at Cunningham Park offers with the delightful folks from Down to Earth Markets. After shopping with their variety of vendors, it’s time for a hike through the park’s forest, or if a little relaxation is on the menu, just settle down on a bench at the bocce court or stretch out on the expansive lawn areas. (Note: the market does not operate January through March.)
Perhaps it’s because I grew up in northwest Indiana and had a beach-deprived childhood (!), but my happiest place in the world is around a beach or salt marsh. Queens, being the greatest place in the world, offers both AND food nearby!
Before some nature exploration at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, I head for an old-fashioned slice at New Park Pizza. Sure, you can be a purist and just get the plain slice, but try my version: anchovies, mushrooms, onions and topped with a little more cheese. Don’t knock it until ya tried it!
Since I’m in the area, a visit to the beach at Jacob Riis Park or Rockaway Beach is a must. Both beaches are heaven, and you can’t quite believe you’re in New York City. There are terrific food concessions on the boardwalks, but our go-to would be cocktails and dinner at Bungalow Bar on the deck overlooking Jamaica Bay. Then on to dessert at Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor, where they have a little backyard filled with sand and chairs so you can prolong your beachy mood.
Travelling through Queens is always a fun adventure, but my Forest Hills home is pretty nifty too! I visit my friend Jenna at Sushi Time or the perpetually cheerful Rob at Gloria Pizza to get a to-go meal for a little al fresco dining either in MacDonald Park, or a little farther away at the Overlook in Forest Park.
But if weather isn’t cooperative, our local indoor spot is Dirty Pierre’s, where we’ve known the entire staff over the last 25 years…they are THAT friendly! Or if we feel like salsa and margaritas, 5 Boro Cafe never disappoints. And a meal at Tuscan Hills will instantly transport you to Italy. What’s that? You also want dessert? La Boulangerie de Francois is a treat you’ll not soon forget.