Nick's Bistro's New Outdoor Seating

Metropolitan Avenue now has a nice new spot to dine outside. Greek restaurant Nick's Bistro, at the corner of 72nd Ave., has added this nice new outdoor seating area:

Metropolitan Ave. Sizzler Closing

8:00 p.m. update: This has been confirmed. Thanks to Robert for the photos.

A reader told me that the Sizzler on Metropolitan Ave. is supposedly closing. If I recall, it is one of the last remaining Sizzler's in the Northeast, if not the last one.

I have to admit, I've been to the Forest Hills Sizzler once, many a year ago. We went more out of curiosity than anything. And I never went back.

But this particular Sizzler really gained notoriety back in July of 2011 when it was sued by a gay woman who claimed she was attacked by the store's manager and some patrons. How nice. Here's my post from back then: Do The Metropolitan Avenue Time Warp...

Thankfully, Metropolitan Ave. seems to have changed a lot since I wrote that post. But that part of Forest Hills—with its small-town feel that often feels straight out of central casting from the year 1959—still does mark a distinct contrast from the hustle and bustle around Queens Blvd. to the north.

Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade Pics, Continued...

Thanks to local photographer Yael Adas for the pics.

Queens Boulevard—The Next Foodie Zone?

It seems like the blocks along Queens Blvd. are starting now to mimic what's been happening down on Metropolitan Ave. with all the new restaurants opening. And it makes perfect sense—they're probably a lot less rent than along Austin St. so we're starting to see all kinds of new independent restaurants open up there. It's a very exciting trend. And with the planned beautification of Queens Blvd. which just started in Jackson Heights and is supposed to eventually make its way down here, too, could it be we are on the cusp of a rejuvenated and actually enticing Queens Blvd. corridor?

Matiz, a new Latin restaurant which sounds very interesting, recently opened at the corner of 73rd Road and Queens Blvd. If anyone has tried it yet, let us know how it is. I'll check it out asap, too.

And DNAInfo reports that Thai Boulevard will soon reopen at 110-70 Queens Blvd.

DNAInfo also says the Indian restaurant Baluchi's, closed by the health department for various unpleasantness, will reopen in the fall as some kind of lounge by the same owners. Um, ok....

Meanwhile, on Austin St., a reliable commenter on the Blog's Facebook Page says the former Bonfire Grill is being converted into a new restaurant by the owners of Jack & Nellies on Ascan. It will serve American fare and be open for lunch.

And Red Mango recently broke out of its claustrophobic space at the corner of Restaurant Row to begin outdoor seating, immediately making it immensely more enjoyable. The photo below is from this Sunday morning when they were putting out the tables...

Another Interesting Restaurant Opening on Metropolitan

DNAinfo reports that Peruvian restaurant La Coya will replace the long-time restaurant Chalet Alpina at its location at 98-35 Metropolitan Ave.

Another reason to take the trek—soon snowy trek—through the Gardens down south! And, another bustling Austin St.  loss to sleepy Metropolitan when it comes to interesting restaurants.

Go figure.

By the way, where did that silly "Michelin Road" nickname come from anyway? Do you all like it? or hate it? And just how many of the restaurants on Metropolitan are actually in the Michelin Guide? Two? Three?...

End of the Century Bar Opens on Metropolitan

From Time Out NY:

 Tiki bar–cum–cocktail club End of the Century Bar hits Forest Hills  
Pegu Club, PKNY and Maison Premiere alums expand cocktail culture in Queens

When searching for a home for their own drinking den—a tiki bar–cum–cocktail club, designed to feel like a living room—the trio decided to push beyond those well-trodden boroughs for, of all places, Queens. “Forest Hills feels both local and international—it’s one of the most diverse areas of the city,” Present says. “We want to be a microcosm of that.”

 104-08 Metropolitan Ave between 71st Dr and 72nd Ave, Forest Hills, Queens (718-544-1624)

Chalet Alpina Closes

The German restaurant Chalet Alpina on Metropolitan has closed after serving up many a schnitzel over the years.... (Did they actually? I never ate there myself but assuming...) Are there any fans out there that are sad to see it go? And more importantly, do restaurants usually close like this when their owners decide to retire, or does that only happen down there on Metropolitan? ;)

What I'm Hearing...

1. Strange goings-on at the Cinemark Theater on Metropolitan Ave. Reportedly missed a child's birthday party recently, its website is down. Is it opened or closed?

2. Sign for new eatery appears in 'Austin Street Mall.' Couldn't find any reference to this place on the Web. I just hope whatever it is they want me to munch on, it's delicious...

Trivia Mondays at Headlines Ale House

TriviaNYC is starting a new weekly quiz night, Mondays at Headlines Ale House (Metropolitan at 72nd Ave). Headlines is a new place (it used to be the St. James), and while they've been doing quizzes around the city, this is their first weekly night east of Sunnyside, so it's kind of new territory for them. A page with some details about how the event will be run is here: http://www.trivianyc.net/mondays-headlines-ale-house-forest-hills/

Eddie's Sweet Shop Racking Up The Press Attention

Ok, so they're one of the best—and oldest—ice cream parlors in New York City. Now, when are they going to open up another, northern FoHi branch, so I can eat there every day? (Kidding)

Anyway, Eddie's has been getting a lot of positive press lately:

From:
The NY Times: A Malted Milk Crawl in New York
and The Village Voice, which ranks it one of the Top 10 places for ice cream in NYC:
The 10 Best Ice Creams in NYC, 2014 Edition

So quit all your culinary complaining about Forest Hills! At least we have some of the world's best ice cream (even if we, yes, stillllll, don't have a place to get a simple make-your-own salad like virtually every other nabe in New York (Sorry, just had to throw that in ; )

 

Tweens' Night Out at Oliloli Studio

Oliloli Studio on Metropolitan Avenue is having a Tweens' Night Out July 2nd. Here's the description:

Join us to paint this funky and cool dinner plate using found objects.
9 to 13 years old only.
Wednesday, July 2nd, 7pm to 9pm. Drop-off.
$35 plus Tax. Includes project, pizza and refreshments.
This event is sure to sell-out. Pre-registration is required.

You can register online at: http://olilolistudio.com/make-a-reservation/
(Make sure you click on the month of July to see the event)

Oliloli Studio
103-23 Metropolitan Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-261-1238

A Visit to Eddie's Sweet Shop

What better way to spend our first real heat wave than with a visit to one of the best old-time ice cream parlors in New York City? Luckily for us, it's just a short walk down to Metropolitan Ave., where you'll find Eddie's Sweet Shop right there at the corner of 72nd Road, where it has stood since 1967 (though an ice cream parlor at that location dates back to possibly as early as 1925, according to records). If you're new to Forest Hills, or been here some time and still haven't made it to Eddie's, it really is worth the trip, especially on a hot summer night. Not only is the ice cream great, but the place is absolutely hopping with ice cream lovers of all ages.

New Coming Soons

On Queens Blvd. in the new Aston Condo

On Metropolitan Ave.

Stumptown Coffee and Silk Cakes Pairing Event

Silk Cakes is partnering with Stumptown Coffee to host a coffee/cake pairing event.

Stumptown will showcase their brewing method and Silk Cakes will have FREE samples of the different coffee and cake pairings.

Date: This Saturday, March 15th
Time: 1-3pm
Location: 98-14 Metropolitan Ave; Forest Hills, NY

By the way, I finally had a chance to try Silk Cakes and I must say, their stuff is heavenly.

Local Cake Shop Spices Up Valentine's Day

This is awesome. One of Forest Hills' newest businesses, Silk Cakes, has announced that in honor of Valentine's Day it will be offering Sriracha Chocolate Cake (pictured at left), and offering free samples beginning tomorrow, through Feb. 16th at its recently-opened Metropolitan Ave. store.

Here's more details:

Silk Cakes, a creative customized wedding and specialty cakes bakery, today announced the concoction of a new cake flavor combination in celebration of Valentine’s day. The new Sriracha Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Butter-cream and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Truffle and Lime Zest.

Silk Cakes is known for Asian inspired designs and unique flavor combinations, and the new “limited edition” flavor joins some of Silk Cake’s most popular flavor combinations such as chocolate cake with green tea butter cream and semi-sweet chocolate truffle, black sesame cake with yuzu butter cream with green tea truffle and Thai tea cake with condensed milk butter cream and white chocolate truffle.

Sriracha is a type of hot sauce made from the paste of the chili peppers that originated from Southeast Asia. “The Sriracha spiciness combined with the sweetness of chocolate is a wonderful complement to heat up your Valentine’s Day,” said Judy Lai, owner of Silk Cakes and renowned pastry chef. The new Sriracha flavor will be available for a limited time, and the public is welcomed to sample Sriracha cupcakes at Silk Cakes newly opened Forest Hills location.

Metropolitan Ave. Construction

Anyone know what's they're building across the street from Trader Joe's, where the gas station used to be? A reader called my attention to it on the blog's Facebook page and snapped this pic.

Silk Cakes Grand Opening This Saturday

Judy Lai

Silk Cakes, a premier customized wedding and specialty cakes bakery based in Manhattan, today announced its newest location will open this Saturday at 98-14 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, Queens. The 1,500 square feet Queens location will join Silk Cake’s flag ship store in Manhattan, but while the Manhattan location is by appointment only, the Forest Hills store will be open to the public and will include items for sale on site.

Silk Cakes is known for Asian inspired designs and unique flavor combinations. The new location will feature some of its most popular flavor combinations such as chocolate cake with green tea butter cream and semi sweet chocolate truffle, black sesame cake with yuzu butter cream with green tea truffle and Thai tea cake with condensed milk butter cream and white chocolate truffle.

The store will also offer premium coffees and teas.

“We are very excited about our new location” said Judy Lai, owner of Silk Cakes and renowned pastry chef. “For years, people have stopped by our Ludlow St. store in Manhattan, hoping to sample our cakes, and we are so happy to be able to finally offer this option to the public. The Metropolitan Ave. location is the perfect spot for us, and we are looking forward to becoming part of this vibrant community.”

 Lai brings to Silk Cakes her classical training from the French Culinary Institute, and her experience as a cake chef instructor in that school. Silk Cakes have been featured in countless media and wedding publications, including NY Weddings Magazine.

Location: 98-14 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY

Business Hours: 8am-7pm Tues-Sun; Closed Mondays

Future Home of Tazzina Forest Hills

A reader noticed that it looks like Tazzina, the new restaurant from celebrity chef Jason Zukas, who won the Chopped competition in 2009, will be opening in the former Piccola Italia location (and Tutto Bene before that), at 102-15 Metropolitan Ave. This is near the corner of 71st Ave..

From Times Newsweekly.com:

State liquor license applications

The board approved an application for a new liquor license for an unnamed restaurant at 103 19 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills and deferred applications from Tazzina at 102-15 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills and Rumba Supper Cub at 67 63 Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park.

Street Battle: Austin Vs. Metropolitan

It's become increasingly obvious in recent months that much of the creative energy here in Forest Hills—and let's face it, charm—has begun to shift markedly southward, from Austin St. to Metropolitan Ave. Some of the finest restaurants and interesting new shops have skipped over our nabe's main shopping drag—Austin Street—and chosen to open on Metropolitan instead. Some recent examples, Danny Brown (the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Queens); the arts & crafts shop Oliloli; celebrity chef Jason Zukas' decision to open his new Tazzina on Metropolitan Ave. and just the other week the news that Silk Cakes, the Manhattan-based premium cake and pastry shop will be opening on Metropolitan as well.

And, with the recent disheartening news that new construction along the eastern section of Austin St. will house a large medical clinic (in what used to be a prime shopping block), let's face it, suddenly Austin seems to be undergoing a bit of an identify crisis while its cousin to the south thrives with creative energy.

It all kind of reminds me of what happened when I was living in Park Slope (and in the years after I left there) when all kinds of great places started opening up on 5th Ave. and that street quickly began to rival 7th Ave. But, there's one big difference: Metropolitan Ave. is a fairly long walk from Austin St. taking anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, or even longer, depending on how spry you are.

Given these developments, I'd like to throw out a couple of questions to the readers: 1. Why do you think Metropolitan Ave. suddenly has captured all of the innovative energy that Austin appears to be lacking? 2) If you live near Austin St., do you regularly head down to Metropolitan Ave. to shop and eat, either by car, bus or foot? 3) What do you think all this means for the future of our neighborhood? And finally, 4)  If you're a business owner who recently chose to open on Metropolitan Ave. instead of Austin St., what went into that decision and do you think you made the right choice?

Coming Soon to Forest Hills: Silk Cakes

Judy received her diploma in Classic Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute and worked as a pastry chef at the school's prestigious restaurant, L'Ecole as well as took on the coveted position of Cake Chef Instructor.

Silk Cakes launched in 2006 with its first store in Manhattan at 53 Ludlow Street. The company offers premium custom wedding cakes and specialty cakes. This first location in Manhattan is 'by appointment only' although they've had many customers stop by wanting to try their cakes. As a result, a couple of months ago, they decided that it was time to expand.

"We are very excited to share the news with you that Silk cakes will be opening a second location on 98-14 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY come late November 2013," the company says. "This location will be open to the public and include a retail cake boutique showcasing our most popular cakes in the top selling flavor combinations (see below). We also plan to offer premium coffee to complement our delectable cakes (our coffee options that we are considering are Stumptown or Hugh Jackman Laughing Man). Currently, the store is under renovations and is expected to be completed by in November."

Top Silk Cakes Flavor Combinations:
Chocolate cake with green tea buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Green tea cake with blueberry OR raspberry Buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Yellow butter cake  with dulce de leche buttercream & white chocolate truffle.
Banana cake with nutella buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Mocha cake with  raspberry buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Yellow butter cake with vanilla bean buttercream & jasmine tea milk chocolate truffle.
Black sesame cake with peanut butter OR raspberry buttercream & semi sweet chocolate truffle.
Yuzu cake with green tea buttercream & green tea truffle.
Pandan cake with coconut buttercream & white chocolate truffle.
Thai Tea cake with condense milk buttercream & white chocolate truffle.