Last month LICtalk published our annual Long Island City Restaurant Round-Up. Today we are going to feature a derivative of that concept and add a twist by asking you our readers to participate.
What we’d like to know is which singular menu items in LIC restaurants and food establishments are outstanding? Despite the title of this post, which was scripted using AI solely to attract eyeballs, this is actually not a ‘Best of’ compilation. Raving about the burger at say, Corner Bistro, is no revelation to anyone. Similarly touting the dumplings at Yumpling. Nor is it a broad shout-out to specific establishments, such as 51st Bakery, where one might love everything that emanates from Faye Hess’ kitchen. I’m looking for both under-the-radar and unorthodox menu selections. Maybe the whole place is kinda mediocre, but one thing in particular is great. Or maybe an eatery that specializes in one cuisine but unexpectedly has a hidden gem, like the Kale and Quinoa Bowl at McDonald’s.1
To get the ball rolling I’ll mention two that I think are worthy of highlighting: the Turkey Chili at Bricktown Bagel and the Portobello Mushroom Burger at Communitea. Now it’s up to you LIC to share the insider knowledge and spread the word. Please leave your local menu recommendations in the comments below, the quirkier the better.
//WHILE we’re on the topic of food, I’ll stretch my purview beyond LIC by referencing our newly opened hot pot restaurant mentioned in the lengthy ode below, to act as restaurant critic. Or maybe it’s restaurant observer. Anyway I once ate hot pot in Flushing (come for the boil, stay for the show), and given the recent proliferation of new hot pot establishments I’m curious to see if this new Asian culinary blossoming has the staying power of ramen or the ephemeralty of poke. Judge for yourself foodies by reading the 8,000 word dissertation below, after which you will be granted an honorary PhD in hot pot.
Ex-Basketball Convicted For One-Punch Slaying in LIC – but could get as little as a year
Macy’s Moving Corporate Headquarters To LIC From Manhattan – the JACX tower in Queens Plaza
NYC’s Hot Pot Boom Is Here – read about the riveting battle between Chongqing and Chengdu
R40 Brings Argentinian ‘Parrilla’ to LIC – from the owners of Madera across the street
Rockrose Buys Former Taxi Lot in Court Square – will put up 220-unit rental building, woo-hoo!
- just an example of contrast, fictional at that, not an endorsement [↩]
Anonymous says
February 7, 2020 at 10:43 pmLamb burger with truffle fries – Woodbine’s
Chicken in Mole – casa Enrique
Spicy Goma Miso – Takumem
Anonymous says
February 8, 2020 at 6:02 pmMeatballs in chipotle tomato sauce – Casa Enrique
MB says
February 10, 2020 at 1:10 pmPhilly Cheese Steak and Fries….E & I.
Jojo says
February 10, 2020 at 1:25 pmThe Banh mi at Cyclo.
The chicken rice at Tuk Tuk.
Anonymous says
February 11, 2020 at 12:54 pmSopecitos at Casa Enrique
Ripley says
February 11, 2020 at 1:05 pmBelieve it or not, the chicken noodle soup at Pops Deli
JayyyLIC says
February 12, 2020 at 12:18 pmChicken Wings – Takumen
Duck breast with celery puree and honey sauce – Tournesol
Anonymous says
February 12, 2020 at 12:59 pmTakumen wings
Takumen potato salad
Cyclo Bahn Mi
Mu Ramen Okonomiyaki
Anon says
February 12, 2020 at 2:29 pmEggplant Mezzemanighe at Bella Via
BSD says
February 13, 2020 at 12:34 pmSteamed Chicken with Chili Sauce @ Chairman Sun
Tortellini Gorgonzola @ Manducatis Rustica
Kara Miso Ramen @ Tamashii
Erik says
February 13, 2020 at 11:08 pmYellowtail collar at Sapps
Goat Brains at Adda
Chicken Liver pate at LIC Market
Anonymous says
February 14, 2020 at 1:49 amPile of coal – Amazon site
Anonymous says
February 15, 2020 at 12:06 pmSpicy Goma Miso Ramen @ Takumen
Champon Ramen @ Tamashii Blue
Irish Breakfast @ Woodbines
Haemul Chulpan @ Nulook Deli
Anonymous says
February 16, 2020 at 4:34 pmPatty Melt from Bellwether
Fried Chicken Bucket from Sweet Chick
Green Curry from Tuk Tuk
Prime Rib from Blvd Wine Bar (Tuesdays only)
Heather says
February 19, 2020 at 12:14 pmquatro formagi w/ red sauce pizza at Bella Via
massaman curry from tuk tuk
fajitas from skinnys
ANYTHING from communitea
fettuccini maiella from maiella
Anonymous says
February 22, 2020 at 12:16 pmFavorite under-the-radar dishes:
1. Kamo Salad (roasted duck slices) at Hibino
2. Tiradito (peruvian spiced grouper sashimi) at Jora
3. New York Strip at Jora
4. Boat Noodles at Tuk Tuk
5. Chicken Pho at Cyclo
6. Happy Hour wings (good, insanely cheap) at Dominie’s Hoek
7. Grilled Cheese Tartine at Domaine bar a vins
8. Gnocchi Della Casa at Manetta’s
In general, the happy hours at Jora, Dominie’s and Domaine are all insanely good values.
Anonymous says
February 22, 2020 at 12:31 pmI forgot to list the Dan Dan noodles at Hupo and the “Everybody’s Favorite – Bantam Bagel” 2-pack at Starbucks.