JUST like we did last year and every year prior, today we declare that Spring has sprung for Long Island City. Plus we added some cherry blossoms, which are in full bloom both here and on Cherry Blossom Island midway across the river (Roosevelt Island). Due to massive overcrowding the latter has discontinued it’s Cherry Blossom Festival, but this weekend would be a good one timing-wise to check out the flora there.
Also blossoming, or about to, is Juice N’ Bagels, the re-incarnation of Black Star Bakery on Vernon Boulevard. The new recently-unveiled external color scheme screams ‘Spring,’ or maybe just Easter. Either way yum-yum. Also yum-yum is Kaiyo Omakase, which snuck up on us over the winter, having replaced Sushi Daizen at some point. You can check out the menu below, but it offers complimentary sake with unlimited refills on weekdays. Do the math and you now know which days you won’t find me there.
Yum-yum in-the-making is ‘Lately Cafe’ on 44th Drive in Court Square, a block down from building fka the Citi Building. Continuing east on 44th Drive just after crossing Jackson Avenue it comes to the end where it intersects with Thomson Ave, you will soon find Jiang Nan serving it’s Chinese fusion cuisine. Originally opened in Flushing in 2020, this fast-growing chain serves food from all regions of China and will bring it’s 8th restaurant to LIC. A bit of dessert after all this wandering? You’ll soon be able to sate this desire nearby at Spot Dessert Bar when it opens at the JACX shortly. Yes, Spring has Sprung in LIC!
//AND with Spring comes Easter and the Annual LIC Easter Egg Hunt in Gantry Plaza State Park. We’ve chronicled this event since inception and I highly recommend you prep yourself for it by reading all our prior coverage so you know what you’re in for. Felices Pascuas, Chag Sameach, and hope you have a Good Friday.
Kaiyo Omakase – see menu
Jiang Nan – show me the duck!
Spot Dessert Bar – mochi, macha, milky puff & monkey bread
LIC Egg Hunt & Easter Festival – this Saturday in Gantry Plaza State Park beginning 10am
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[…] Not so weird: Jiang Nan has finally opened their branch in LIC after announcing it is coming exactly a year ago. […]