Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde is the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, one of the largest hospitals in Queens and one of oldest and the largest public hospitals in New York City. Born in Queens to Ecuadorian parents, she still lives in her beloved Corona neighborhood. Here are some of her favorite things about the world’s most diverse borough.
Good Eats
The area around Elmhurst Hospital has tons of great food choices. I love one particular taco truck on 81st Street and Roosevelt Avenue. For Italian food, my all-time favorite is Park Side Restaurant at 107-01 Corona Ave. The salmon is terrific. For Ecuadorian food, my top pick is Barzola on Astoria Blvd., where I really enjoy the Encebollado de Pescado Ceviche.
Wander Streets
I feel blessed to live near Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It’s an urban oasis in the middle of a busy borough. The park has beautiful walking paths where you can go to clear your mind. But if you want to exercise and burn off some energy (or have kids who need to burn off some energy), there are plenty of places to explore. I also love the fact that on 34th Avenue near Elmhurst Hospital we now have an Open Streets area where local residents, patients, and staffers can exercise and participate in recreational activities year-round.
Historic Feats
The Unisphere! This Flushing Meadows Corona Park landmark is so iconic to Queens and New York City that it is one of my favorite places to go. The nearby World’s Fair Observation Towers also bring back great memories from my childhood.
Unique Treats
Queens Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the borough and how it’s always changing. The Panorama of the City of New York is a fun way to learn about the geography of where we live and the islands that make up the Big Apple. I also love how the museum embraces local artists and the diverse cultures of Queens.
Last but not least. To listen to great Latin music I go to Terraza 7 on Gleane Street in Jackson Heights.