“Enjoy every sandwich” Warren Zevon1
So the news desk has been getting a lot of queries from new LIC mothers regarding trick-or-treating and other local Halloween events for kids. Fear not, because as veteran parents in the neighborhood know, everything is rolled up into one during the Annual Kids Halloween Parade along Vernon Boulevard. Where/when/how will it occur? The actual notification will come out shortly and will literally be posted everywhere in the neighborhood, including here on LICtalk, but the basic m.o. over the years has been to meet in front of the Gantries on October 31 around 4:30pm. Fear not, you won’t be able to miss it, just follow all the Frozen costumes.
At the parade, children of all ages throng the sidewalks of Vernon and troop from store to store in order to grovel for candy. Meanwhile their parents slog behind and try to wrangle them in, all whilst not-so-patiently trying to explain to their youngsters why they can’t eat the whole bag that night. Fear not, for in a 21st century twist, any semblance of “tricks” has been eliminated and all the candy is gluten-free. The only hint of mischief is the one-day suspension of the open container law in LIC.
// Following in the footsteps of the recently published Michelin Guide, The New York Post is the latest publication to hop on board the Queens train in an article calling our dining scene the new Brooklyn. You can read the article below, but we’ve been hinting at the trend for over a year, including in our story of two months ago entitled “LIC is Becoming a New Culinary Mecca.”
Though the Post dedicated a whole story to it, I think one line buried in today’s release of Zagat’s 2015 survey is way more indicative of the greatness and unassuming nature of Queens’ restaurant buzz. In the humble category of “Best Sandwich,” the top spot goes to Il Bambino in Astoria. Buzz? Fear not, because this small restaurant has actually been around since 2006, and in quickly looking at the website, every item on the menu is under $15 and every bottle of wine but one is under $40. I have immediately moved it to the top of my “Get to” restaurant list. Yeah, a sandwich spot is #1 in my book, I mean how many times can The Editor eat lunch at Le Bernardin without needing a break?
One sad note regarding the LIC dining universe: WeHeartLIC has reported that according to it’s Facebook page, Communitea is closing. Talk about unassuming, the cafe has been here for a decade and has acted as a second home for many residents. It will be missed.
// Two final local events. First, the Queens Library Bus usually parked on Center Boulevard every Saturday, has been mostly missing since Labor Day. Fear not, as it will be returning this weekend and every weekend going forward, having just returned from the shop. Secondly, the PS78Q PTA will be holding it’s Fall Fair this Saturday, October 25 from noon to 3pm. Fear not, it’s just for kids and they need not be well behaved.
The Dining Scene Turning Queens Into the New Brooklyn – “Brooklyn, once an affordable refuge for restaurateurs and diners creating and seeking culinary adventures, is losing its down-home charm. And Queens, long known for its cheap ethnic eats, is filling the gap.”
Zagat 2015 Notables – Luger’s? Pretentious. Try Corner Bistro.
Communitea is Closing – it’s lease was up, probably too high to renew.
- Letterman asked Zevon if his condition (terminal cancer) had taught him anything about life and death. ”How much you’re supposed to enjoy every sandwich,” Zevon answered.
Weeks later, Letterman was still struck by the reply. ”Here’s a guy looking right down the barrel of the gun,” he said. ”And if a guy wanted to indulge himself in great hyperbole in that circumstance, who wouldn’t forgive him? But that was perfect, the simplicity of that. If this guy is not a poet, who is?” [↩]
Queensie says
October 22, 2014 at 7:07 pmI’m so sad to hear that Communitea is closing, and of course it’s happening just as the neighborhood has finally filled in. I hope they land on their feet and find another location in LIC. With what they’re offering, they don’t really need to be on Vernon Boulevard anymore.
Mike says
October 23, 2014 at 6:07 ammaybe we can get a much needed real estate office
so many blood sucking brokers looking to gouge you
Concerned Mom says
October 23, 2014 at 8:29 amBOO!! To all the parents out there, please be careful if you decide to carve pumpkins with your little ones.
I’m not just referring to sharp knives, which you should keep far away from children. Most pumpkins are absolutely filled with pesticides. Try organic instead! Go here for more info.
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/DS.jsp?sk=10011#TopChems
Have a Frightfully Fun — and SAFE — Time!