The shaker of red pepper flakes dumped all over one of my black olive pizza slices today. Dammit… Why didn’t I say anything at the time? Why didn’t shout out a grinding superlative, and wring my hands, like a New Yorker/well-bred lady would? I sighed, and thought: “Maybe I could deal with this. No problem;… Continue reading An unseasonable shower of red pepper: Pizzeria Sicilia, 31-25 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, Queens 1/5/17

I’m working late tonight, so not much rest for the weary or wicked (maybe slightly ;)). And, it turns out, both my mom and husband kept my attention busy during lunch via phone and Messager. Thank goodness for Brooks 1890. The bar decor was not loud or pretentious, but classic, with wooden touches and warm… Continue reading Working-for-my-own-living lunch: Brooks 1890, 24-28 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, Queens 1/4/17

It’s a new year, people!  Today I had my birthday lunch with my awesome co-workers Thea and Camille. :). We braved the cold, cold rain to 43rd St. to check out Yum Yum Queens, their favorite Thai spot. I felt some deja-vu when I walked in: it reminded me of its counterpart on 9th Ave.… Continue reading A good enough Yum Yum birthday lunch: Yum Yum Queens (Thai), 43-01 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside, Queens 1/3/17

I am feeling kinda blah today.  After seeing the doctor today (it’s only a back sprain; use heat, light stretching and Aleve), I wasn’t in the mood to socialize with people.  (Yes, some of the blame of my current state goes to the pain itself…but I wish I didn’t have to waste a precious workday… Continue reading The fun vegetables: Van Dam Diner, 45-55 Van Dam St., Long Island City, Queens 12/30/16

“All good things don’t go unpunished….” as the old adage goes. It never felt so true to me until this week. Over the holiday break, I turned 45 (wow), and on my birthday I baked several Swedish treats for my friends, loved ones and co-workers. (I only bake once a year). However, by the end… Continue reading All good things…with chicken: Don Tapas @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 12/29/16

Before lunch, I thought the only spooky thing about Fridays before a holiday (4 days off! Yes!!) was the rampant productivity. I was getting in a groove at work, people decked out in red and green finery, and treats were abundant at the water cooler. No senioritis here today. However, some lights were out at… Continue reading Spooky Friday: Stolle Bakery and The Doughnut Plant @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 12/23/16

The sun is shining, the weather is in the 40s and mild, and the 7 train is finally running on schedule in both directions. It’s a great day to venture out. Also, the challenge today is: eat a meal less then $20 (waiting patiently for payday…okay, that’s a complete lie.) Plus, not many people have… Continue reading The soup cure, Paraguayan style: I Love Paraguay, 43-16 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, Queens 12/22/16

It’s the first day of winter. The sun shines like the moon through the clouds around noontime. It’s almost gloomy. The only gloomy thing in my life right now is limited funds (until Friday), and, of course, the political current our country is currently in.  (Okay, now I’m officially depressed. Thanks a lot America!) Good… Continue reading The food cure, or, In lean times, one should depend on one’s neighbors: Good Neighbor Queens and Juice Press @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 12/21/16

I’m finally back at work; I’m trying to get over a 2-day virus/sickness, which could have been a week-long if I didn’t get a flu shot. Thank God I did, so I’m slowly getting my full strength back. Luckily, today’s special at Khao Man Gai NY is Gai Toon, or chicken noodle soup. This soup… Continue reading The chicken soup cure, part 1 (Thai): Khao Man Gai NY @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 12/20/16

A very strange day indeed.  My husband called me twice this morning; first, he was complaining about acid reflux, then later, he was slurring on the phone, as if he had a stroke. After trying to access the situation (asking him: “Does your limbs feel like pins & needles? Can you touch your nose with… Continue reading A bit befuddled: Karu Cafe @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 12/16/16