U.S. Open Tennis, my favorite sporting event is here, and the best part is that it takes place in Queens. I was happy to attend the Qualifying Tournament this past Friday, which gave me a nice preview of things to come. Excited to return to the Open next week, I've been scoping out some yummy things you can get your hands on in and outside of the tournament's grounds.
Hill Country BBQ - Excited to see this popular BBQ haven make its debut at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, you can now get your fix of brisket, turkey, sausage and other BBQ yummies. The best part for me was seeing their lovely miniature pies in pretty glass display cases, with flavors ranging from Double Cherry to Bourbon Pecan.
Tortilleria Nixtamal - Located just two stops away on the 7 train from Mets-Willets Point, Nixtamal is a great place to stop in for lunch or an early dinner before the matches. Not only is it absolutely delicious--the tamales being my favorite in Queens--the prices are wallet friendly as well, and overall it's a real steal compared to what you'll pay inside the stadium. 104-05 47th Avenue, Corona. 718.699.2434
Jahn's - If your'e in the mood for a little sweet something after a tennis win, I highly encourage you to stop in at Jahn's for a victory sundae. They have over 30 different varieties of old fashioned sundaes including fruit based sundaes, "large tummy ticklers" and even the master of all sundaes called the Kitchen Sink. Jahn's is pretty accessible to the 7 train, just 5 stops away from Mets-Willets Point. 81-04 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights. 718.651.0700
I love having the excuse, any chance I get, to visit Tortilleria Nixtamal, and it's been quite a while. Getting that itch for their delectable tacos and tamales, Dan and I decided to make a pit stop for lunch, after visiting friends, Grant and Katie in their new casa. Unfortunately, the drive over was quite hellish, but as always, it was so worth it, making us forget about all those pestering traffic escapades. Here's what we had:
Tamales:
We can never come here without including a hefty tamale to our order. This time around, we tried two varieties including the chicken mole and the chicken with red salsa. Both were flavorful and delicious, and we loved putting both the red and green (really spicy) salsa sauce on top for added flavor. While I liked mine, I thought they could've gone heavier on the mole sauce, which seemed a little bit like an afterthought. The chicken tamale however had larger pieces of meat inside and was definitely more generously doused in red salsa sauce, which was just delicious. Dan gave me a bite of his and I secretly wished I ordered it. Next time!
Tacos:
Since we both got tamales, which were very filling, we thought that ordering two additional tacos would be enough. And it was. The Al Pastor, with rotisserie pork, sweet chunks of pineapple, chopped onions and cilantro were nomtastic, as my friend Meg would say. The pork had a nice smokey-sweet flavor, which totally hit the spot and felt like the perfect bite of slow cooked meat. Although it didn't need much else, we were totally obsessed with the red salsa sauce, which we put on top anyway.
Additionally to this, I also got the barbacoa taco, with seasoned lamb, prepared by being steamed in maguey (agave) leaves, which just like the Al Pastor, made it ultra tender. This was definitely a lot spicier in flavor, as it was topped with green jalapeno peppers, which gave it that extra kick. While it definitely gave your tastebuds a jolt, it wasn't too spicy and went perfectly with the deep, rich flavored meat. If you're a lamb lover, you're going to love this non-traditional, sophisticated taco.
Service and Cost:
As always, the service was fantastic and the perfect amount of attentive. Since all dishes take just a short time to prepare, we were in and out of there in about a half an hour, but could've stayed as long as we wanted. They had the football and basketball games on, which is an added bonus for all you staunch sports fans.
Costs remain inexpensive and for the above mentioned lunch, including a beer and two lbs of tortillas to go, we paid about $33 with tax and tip.
3 Mmmms
Tortilleria Nixtamal - 104-05 47th Avenue, Corona NY 11368
718.699.2434
7 Train to 103rd Street
www.tortillerianixtamal.com
With the U.S. Open in full swing, lots of you may be checking out the action in person and taking advantage of this awesome event right in our neck of the woods. For those of you who are depending on the food court to get your grub on, stop right there and reconsider, as I've put together a quick where to eat guide for you that falls out of bounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center.
Tortilleria Nixtamal - The easiest stop over on your way to or from the tennis center, all you have to do is get off at the 103rd street stop on the 7 and bring your appetite. True that this place is on the intimate side, but you won't be sorry as you indulge in their homemade tortillas used in their famously delicious tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and more. The tamales are also a big must, and I personally recommend the pork tamale verde. 104-05 47th Avenue, Corona. 718.699.2434
Tuk-Tuk - If you're coming to the Open from the city, stop at the Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue stop on the 7 and hit up this awesome Thai eatery. Not only is the atmosphere really mod and interesting, the food comes out fast and it's really tasty. If you'd like to properly sustain yourself before the games, I suggest you get the pineapple duck curry, featuring crispy duck, sweet chunks of pineapple, bathed in a slightly spicy curry broth. 49-06 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.472.5598
Czech-Slovak Varieties Store - Paying homage to my Slovak roots, I often stop in at this store to load up on snacks before going to Flushing Meadows. I stock up on my Slovak sweet treats such as chocolate wafer cookies called Tatranky, Fidorky, all the Kinder I can ever want, chrumky and other native snacks that last me through the games. If you're just curious to see what they have, don't be afraid to pop in and give them a customary "Dobry Den" greeting (means good day). 10-59 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.752.2093
Salt and Fat - Many may have heard of this place but haven't yet had the opportunity to go. Here's your chance, as it's again right off the 7 train on the 40th Avenue Lowery Street stop. Like its name suggests, this won't be a light meal, but it's also really memorable, featuring menu items such as Korean BBQ wraps, pork belly buns, a crispy pork trotter and even a foie gras with bacon brittle. See a pattern here?! That's right...bring on the pig! 41-16 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside. 718.433.3702
New World Mall Food Court - While in Flushing, I urge you to take advantage of all the culinary wonders that it provides, including the fabulous food courts at the big malls. One of these is the New World Mall food court, which is just enormous and super affordable. From sweet red bean sesame buns to savory pork ones, surf and turf stir fry made before your eyes, and desserts such as all the tangy bubble tea you can drink, this is a true gem and a culinary Mecca. 40-21 Main Street, Flushing. 718.353.0551
Hope you get to try some of these eats, and if you have other suggestions, I'm all ears. Enjoy the games!
