Monday, February 27, 2017

Coming in Next to Bareburger on Austin St.


Thanks to Amanda for tweeting me the pic!

Queens Stands Together Rally Photos

Not a bad turnout for the first of these here in Forest Hills, yesterday. But not fantastic, either, given the magnitude of what is at stake. As I walked home from the rally, and passed various residents going about their day, I couldn't help but want to grab them and say: "Get your ass to MacDonald Park! Do you realize your entire way of life is at stake!?"













Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Queens Stands Together Rally in Forest Hills This Sunday




Rally kicks off at 11 a.m. today!


On February 26th let us come together in MacDonald Park united for freedom and equality against bigotry, intolerance and hate. Queens epitomizes the multi-culturalism of America. Our diversity strengthens, enriches and enlightens. Many in the community are quite fearful with reason but resilient in the face of adversity. There is no place for scapegoating communities as the "other." In this uncertain time, this is our opportunity to stand together united in solidarity behind #queensvalues

"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor never the tormented." 
--Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor

Our coalition is growing and will be updated here. MacDonald Park is walking distance from the 71st Street/Continental Avenue Subway Station and the Q60 bus.
#Queensstandstogether

More information on the event's Facebook Page:
Queens Stands Together Rally

The Arab-American Family Support Center
Black Lives Matter of Greater New York
Buddhist Global Relief
Chhaya Community Development Corporation
Council on Islamic-American Relations, NY
Forest Hills Asian Association
Foundation of African Muslim Women in America
Geraldine Ferraro Democratic Club
Honorable Andrew Hevesi, Assemblyman, 28th District
Honorable Scott Stringer, Comptroller of the City of New York
Honorable Jimmy Van Bramer, Majority Leader, New York City Council, 26th District
Honorable Karen Koslowitz, Councilmember, 29th District
Honorable Letitia James, New York City Public Advocate
Honorable Toby Stavisky, State Senator District 16
Imam Shamsi Ali, Jamaica Muslim Center
Indivisible Queens
@[208955165805209:Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ)
Make the Road NY
National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter
New York State Nurses Association
NYC Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee
Queens Connection
Queens Is Not For Sale
Queens New Democrats
Queens County Young Democrats
Picture the Homeless
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Rabbi Beni Wajnberg, Temple Shaaray Tefila
Rabbi Mark Kaiserman and Cantor Deborah Jacobson, the Reform Temple of Forest Hills
Rabbi Rachel Rosenberg, Malkhut, A Progressive Jewish Spiritual Community in Western Queens
Reverend Chloe Breyer, Interfaith Center of New York
Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
Service Employees International Union, Local 32 BJ
Showing Up For Racial Justice NYC (SURJ)
Sikh Cultural Society
South Asian Education & Training (SAFEST)
Townsend Harris Alumni Association
Turning Point for Women and Families
Women for Afghan Women
Women's Action Group of Forest Hills
Women's Initiative for Self-Empowerment (WISE)

The organizers of this rally are:

Ethan M. Felder, Founder
Mazeda Uddin
Peter W. Beadle, Esq
Prameet Kumar
Mark Laster
Mohammed Naeem
Alexa Weitzman
Benita Gayle-Almeleh
Edwin Wong

Friday, February 17, 2017

Healthy & Fresh Eats in Forest Hills

With this post, we introduce one of our new writers, Rebecca Banchik. Rebecca has lived in Forest Hills for two and a half years with her husband after 10 years of living in Manhattan. She traded in her Upper East Side life for the quaint and ever evolving Forest Hills neighborhood and never looks back. She’s a true foodie always searching for delicious and interesting meals in Queens and beyond. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @Foodieinthefrills. Edge of the City is still looking for more local writers, photographers and contributors. Email edgeofthecity@gmail.com for more information!


Around this time of year, you’re either staying strong and committed to those New Year’s resolutions and plans to eat better, drop a few pounds, workout more, yadda yadda yadda or you’re feeling sorry for yourself because it’s cold and nasty outside and you definitely deserve a giant bowl of macaroni and cheese. I fall somewhere in the middle – I know I want to eat well and feel good about what I put into my body…but I still want my meals to be tasty and flavorful. Forest Hills has some good options for healthy eats – here are some of my personal favorites. I hope you give them a try and never forget, it’s always ok to ask for alterations to your selection to make them fit into your healthy lifestyle. So, hold the bun and take a look:

Agora Taverna 70-09 Austin Street

Agora Taverna's Prasini Salad
The Prasini salad is my favorite. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it so fresh and satisfying. The feta Agora uses is a really delicious Greek feta that is creamy and not dry and crumbly. There are herbs that really bring out a nice flavor to the salad and the greens are crisp and refreshing. The salad is tossed with a house-made vinaigrette too – no creamy fatty dressing here.


Looking for protein? The lamb or pork kebab sticks are hearty, simply grilled, and can be ordered with a side of horta – a sautéed escarole green with garlic and oil. Squeeze some lemon on the dish and you have a protein rich, no carb dinner that will warm you on a cold night.

Bareburger 71-49 Austin Street

Burgers and fries probably sound the opposite of healthy. But that’s why Bareburger is a great choice if you know how to order. You can customize anything from their menu. They also have a great selection of salads and greens. They even have some interesting appetizers making quinoa and wholesome grains taste quite delicious. You can feel good about the food you eat here too, almost everything is organic and even the ketchup is homemade.

What to order? Try a burger (pick your protein – for a leaner choice, try the Bison) wrapped in a collard green leaf or for a gluten free option try the tapioca bun. Load up on the veggies and avocado for toppings. Order a side salad or for a more creative salad, order a small-sized main entrée salad. If you need a beverage, try their natural sodas. The ginger brew is my favorite; this isn’t Schweppes. This is natural soda made with real ginger. It’s strong, spicy, and delicious.


Ripe Juice Bar and Grill 70-13 Austin Street

Ripe has been around and they know how to do smart eating. They make a mean smoothie too. For a more treat-like smoothie, try the Pina Colada made with coconut milk, yogurt and honey for sweetness. It has the taste of the islands {ignore the snow mount by the stairs}. The Sunset Beach and the Coco Cabana are also excellent choices.

If you’re making Ripe a stop for a meal {great for a post workout dinner or lighter meal mid-week}, try the Grilled Tilapia platter. The dish is filled with brown rice, simply steamed vegetables, and a nice piece of fish. Ripe is focused on healthy low-calorie ingredients. Don’t expect jam packed flavor. But you can feel good about fueling up with whole foods that aren’t overly salted. For more jazz, the Mexican-Tex Quesadilla is a healthier take on a comfort food staple. Order it with the grilled steak and you have a nice protein rich but yummy dinner.

Roast n Co 100-12 Queens Boulevard

Roast n Co's Rotisserie Chicken
This newcomer to the area has some really delicious rotisserie chicken. You can’t go wrong with a platter of nicely seasoned and slow roasted chicken alongside greens. If you aren’t nearby to walk over, they deliver well and quickly. The chicken is antibiotic free, free range, and non-gmo which makes you feel good about consuming a responsibly raised meat. I enjoyed the sautéed kale and broccoli, but you can opt for a beet salad or ratatouille for something a little more unique. They operate a full service coffee shop as well that I haven’t yet tried – but it looks cozy and worth a stop soon!

Red Pipe Café 71-60 Austin Street

Red Pipe's Breakfast Sandwich on Ciabatta
I can’t tell you how much I love this place. It’s a coffee shop serving organic Counter Culture coffee. Forest Hills needed a high caliber coffee shop and Red Pipe came to answer that need. In fact, the entire place is organic serving fresh, wholesome breakfast and lunch salads and sandwiches. Stay for a meal and you won’t be disappointed. The breakfast sandwich on a multi-grain ciabatta roll with hard- boiled egg thinly sliced, layered with melted Vermont cheddar cheese, a garlic aioli, and avocado is to die for and super filling. It’s no carb or dairy free, but it’s organic and it’s delicious. If you want to go lighter, they have salads and creative vegetarian sandwiches to enjoy. You can’t go to Red Pipe and not feel relaxed. Sip an almond milk latte, linger long enough to order a snack, and be grateful Forest Hills has place for the cool kids to hang.

Honorable mention:

You can find wholesome dishes at other restaurants in Forest Hills. It’s all about being creative, ordering smartly, and exploring your options. To name a few, Nick’s Bistro serves a really great homemade quinoa veggie burger. Have it over lettuce {sans bread} and substitute the fries for some lemon roasted potatoes. Aaheli Indian Cuisine does a nice warming mulligatawny soup and tandoori chicken that’s free of cream and the heaviness that often comes with Indian cooking in America. A Sushi NY has fresh sushi and {insanely} fast delivery if you’re craving sushi but want to keep it affordable, simple, and yummy. Inside Natural you can have them make you a healthy salad with all the mix-ins you can imagine.


Saturday, February 11, 2017

State of Forest Hills Civic Community 2017 Event

A State of Forest Hills Civic Community 2017 Event was held January 30th at the West Side Tennis Club. The evening was a chance to learn more about the various Forest Hills community organizations, their plans for 2017, and how to get involved.




2/12 Art Sale To Benefit Forest Hills History Mural


Restaurant Row Development Halted

This is HUGE news for our neighborhood. It looks like one of the main attractions of Forest Hills, one of the things that brings people to our neighborhood each and every day, may be safe ...

According to DNAInfo:

The owner of a Forest Hills building housing several restaurants on the neighborhood's “Restaurant Row” has halted his controversial plan to replace it with a new 12-story mixed-use development, according to his lawyer.
"To ALL FoHi Residents! Restaurant Row is NOT going anywhere!," Oleg Kaz, the owner of The Grill wrote on a local Facebook page for business owners. He also posted a photo of the "For Rent" sign displayed at former Uno Pizzeria & Grill which occupied a now-vacant space until it shuttered in 2015.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Snowstorm Pics

Thanks to Emily for tweeting me this gorgeous shot of Station Square tonight. If you have a cool storm pic you'd like me to post, please email it to edgeofthecity@gmail.com.



Thanks to Kristin for tweeting me this snowy scene from the Forest Hills South Co-Op.



And thanks to Erik for these beautiful shots, taken this morning from his apartment at 20 Continental Ave. in The Gardens...



And here are some I took myself later today....





Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Memorable Trips by Subway

The week after New Year's I took the A train up to The Met Cloisters. I always wanted to see it after it snowed, thinking it would be rather picturesque. And it didn't disappoint. And, since most of the tourists had gone home, I felt like I was literally the king of the castle. I had it mostly to myself!

I love these types of trips, which you can easily take via subway from Forest Hills. They're so easy to do, and yet when you arrive you feel like you've gone on a real journey.

For this one, all you do is take the E train from Forest Hills to 42nd St., then easily cross over to the A train. Then, just sit back and relax and in like 20 minutes get out at the 190th St. Station. Then, just walk about 10 minutes through Fort Tryon Pack and you're there!

When you emerge at 190th St. you feel like you have really left the city. In addition to visiting this unique museum, which is in the form of a Medieval Castle, you get a spectacular view of the Hudson River, and the park itself is beautiful.

Another trip you can take from 71st/Continental in Forest Hills is to Coney Island, via the F train. It takes about an hour and a half. It's really a thrill to pop up out of the subway at that world-famous beachfront community.

Ok, so you don't want to go to the beach during the winter? I don't blame you. Then, how about an indoor shopping mall that will blow your mind? That's the recently-opened Oculus, otherwise known as Westfield World Trade Center. For this one, after you enter 71st/Continental, take the E train all the way to its last stop in Manhattan, and then walk into the Oculus through the doors left from the original World Trade Center. You don't ever have to be outdoors again until you return to Forest Hills!














Sunday, February 5, 2017

Middle Village Hawk

Thanks to Kathy S. for sending in this pic of another Red Tailed Hawk, this one she spotted in Middle Village. Seems like these guys are showing up more and more in our area of the City.