Queens Night Market‘s Sharon Medina is repping Forest Hills, but she’s also lived in Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, and Woodside. Here’s why she loves the borough and her #MonthlyPicks.
“When I was a teenager, I wanted nothing more than to leave Queens and get out and see the world beyond New York. I’ve lived in Seattle (Washington), Longmont (Colorado), and Wellington (Florida). What I’ve learned is that once you’ve lived in Queens, it’s almost impossible to live anywhere else. I underestimated the beauty of being able to grow up surrounded by such an array of cultures, religions, languages, and food — all coexisting within blocks from each other. Queens is the world’s borough. There’s no place like it.”
Great Eats
5 Burros Cafe: Best neighborhood spot in Forest Hills. My middle sister, Billie Jean, was banned in the 1990s, while my youngest sister, Phyllis, is like the mayor — everyone knows her. My high school bestie, Elisa, is always down to meet up for quesadillas and margaritas, and I can usually count on running into my friend Ray there, sipping on a glass of red wine. My best advice is to order the skirt steak and eggs for brunch (above) and be nice to Carol, the bartender!
Lali Guras (Nepalese): The goat thali and momos are my faves.
Kabayan (Filipino): Kare Kare and Bulalo Soup are always a good choice.
Indo Java Groceries + Warung Sea Lasa (Indonesian): Head to the weekly Tuesday pop up…and eat anything Chef Dewi makes.
Forest Cafe: Best work spot. Get the hojicha latte and the gochujang egg salad sandwich.
Sharon says: “I did not list a Peruvian restaurant because my mom, Carmen, is hands down, the best Peruvian chef in the world!”
Historic Feats
I graduated from Richmond Hill High School (Class of 1988, go Lions!). At our graduation, Cyndi Lauper received an honorary degree, although she had dropped out earlier. MTV was there to cover the story, and because I was so short, I couldn’t see much of what was happening because the cameras were in the way. I do remember her words of wisdom vividly: “The more you learn, the more you earn.”
And fun fact…Forest Hills High School was dubbed “Rock and Roll High School” by the Ramones, who went there. Other alumni include Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Burt Bacharach, and of course, Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man). I often remind my kids of how cool it was that they graduated from Rock-n-Roll High.
Wander Streets
I spend my Saturdays at the Queens Night Market in Flushing Meadow Corona Park, managing New York’s most diverse and affordable night market. It opened in 2015. I’m also a supporter of the Alliance for FMCP and I think everything about the park is magical! The Unisphere and NYS Pavillion, the pop up dance parties, Maloof Skate Park, the iconic USTA, Queens Museum, Summerstage, New York Hall of Science, lost-but-roaming Mets fans, the cutest soccer players proudly donning uniforms with their heroes names on their backs. Messi, James, Neymar! There’s so much to do, see, and eat and there’s no place I’d rather be on any given Saturday.
I also love walking around Forest Hills especially near the West Side Tennis Club and Forest Hills Stadium. Unlike some of my neighbors, I love the concerts at the iconic stadium. The music is a summer staple, and it’s where I have the fondest memories of going to concerts with my dad. The best concert I saw there was David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Plus, stroll down Burns Street in Forest Hills Gardens at dusk. By the tennis club, you will see the most wonderful sunsets. There’s extra warmth in the sunsets there.
Unique Treats
The best grocery shopping is at the Food Bazaar on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City.
Images (top-to-bottom): Sharon Medina; 5 Boro; Shutternoise; NYC Parks; West Side Tennis Club