Taste of LIC is Around the Corner

Image by The Chocolate Factory

I'm pleased to tell you that one of my favorite tasting events is back again next week, which is the Taste of LIC.    Not just another typical tasting frenzy, this one combines the deliciousness of over 50 restaurants, bars and cafes in and around LIC (a lot are from Astoria too!).

It's always a highlight for me, as it's very well organized and I enjoy learning about new exciting local eats, as sometimes restaurants unveil new dishes or sometimes even exclusive eats prepared just for the event.  

An added element just this year is the Malu ice cream competition that has been going on for some time.  The two finalists, who have devised tantalizing new flavors such as Shiraz Rocky Road and Pear Belle Helene, and the winner will be unveiled at the event.  You'll also be able to taste these goodies at the Malu table, which totally rocks.

Even though I'm looking forward to checking out all the exhibitors, the ones I'm pumped to check out in particular include:

Alewife
Alobar
Antidote
Casa Enrique
Chimney Cake
M.Wells Dinette
Malu
MitchMallows
Slovak-Czech Varieties

The fun starts on Tuesday, June 5th at 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
Buy your tickets here!

Hope to see you there, and if you see me, don't be shy and please say hi!

Slovak-Czech Varieties - My Home Away from Home

Slovak-Czech Varieties - 10-59 Jackson Avenue, LIC, NY 11101

718.752.2093

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave

Strolling around LIC with my cousin Vicky, she told me about a Slovak-Czech specialty store that she passed while walking from her boo's house. What!? Can it be? A little piece of my home country right in the 'hood! Actually, I wasn't that surprised because I've heard about this place from my Slovak friend Katarina. I knew it was there I just didn't know exactly where.

We found the place by mere process of elimination, "Ummm, I think this is the block," Vicky said. We walked and poked our head out in anticipation and low and behold, there it was. The itty-bitty Slovak-Czech Varieties store. If I didn't know about the treasures it holds, I wouldn't go in because it looks shabby and dirty from the outside. But once inside, the "oohing" and "ahhing" didn't stop. We recognized almost everything and got very excited, exclaiming effusively. The woman working behind the register didn't know what to make of us! American-looking girls with weird Slovak accents; she though we were some strange Slovak impostors. We asked her for help finding some of our beloved Slovak treats. She was sweet and we ended up conversing briefly at the end of our visit--good times.

Here's what you could expect to find at this store:

Snacks Galore: Tons of European chocolate treats. They have Milka, Delissa, Kinder and even one of my favorite wafer bars called "Fidorka." Actually, wafer treats are a Slovak and Czech obsession and this place carries a lot of varieties.

Cold Cuts and Cheeses: Looking for European-style salami and sausage? Slovak-Czech Varieties carries imports from Hungary and of course Slovakia and the Czech Republic ($7.50 on average). I highly recommend the smoked cheese and even the "bryndza" a sharp sheep's cheese that is very hard to find in this country. If you do go for the "bryndza," I'd recommend pairing it with dumplings or egg noodles.

Homemade Delicacies: I was happy to discover that you could buy "knedlik"--a dumpling bread. It's a moist, hearty side-dish, which goes especially well with mushroom or pork gravy. Want to try it before you buy it? They serve it at Astoria's Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Koliba and Zlata Praha. Slovak-Czech Varieties sells this for $7.29/loaf.

Wooden Toys and Fine Crystal: Slovakia and the Czech Republic are known for their meticulous craftsmanship. You can find various tchotchies such as handmade figurines, children's toys, bookmarks, and of course their famous crystal vases, bowls, ashtrays, and other unique goods.

I'll definitely be hitting this little Slovak-Czech haven again soon. On my way out, I saw a children's book that my mom recently got in Slovakia for my little cousin Emma. It made me smile. For all you Slovaks and Czechs, I have no doubt this store will do the same for you and for ya American friends, I know you'll appreciate it too.