Today I was sociable: I sat at the counter at Van Dam Diner and talked to the waitresses. As I ordered a spinach and portobello salad, and tried to relax on a stool (an almost impossible task), I watched one waitress wrapping three platters of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, brownies, various cookies and peeled melons… Continue reading Sweet stuff, but not for me (yet): The Van Dam Diner, 45-55 Van Dam St., Long Island City, Queens 5/3/17

There was a shooting outside the correctional facility on 47th Ave. today, at around 6 am, steps away from Falchi’s. At lunchtime, the avenue is still roped off by the NYPD. All the TLC/Uber sign-ups have been uprooted, and are wandering in a daze, trying to give away discount cards, a plan to getaway quick…… Continue reading After the shooting on 47th Ave.: Khao Man Gai NY @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 5/2/17

I had a late lunch today, thanks to a welcome back/congratulations party at the Dance Division at the Library of Performing Arts earlier this morning. I didn’t want to leave, especially since I missed all of my co-workers at LPA, and the German chocolate cake that was served was simply delish! Plus, I did a… Continue reading May Day munchies: Don Tapas @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 5/1/17

Something weird is going on at Stolles…they are selling pizza slices, and sweet cinnamon buns. I don’t know what is happening here. They still have their excellent stock of savory and sweet pie delights. But the pizza…they looked like cheap slices one can get at any corner in NYC.  Why is this happening? And why… Continue reading A little concerned: Stolles Bakery and The Doughnut Plant @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 4/27/17

Last Sunday I was craving a Slushie drink. I figured I could wait until Monday and then kill two birds with one stone, and try the newish artistianal taco place two doors down from the 7-Eleven on Thomson Ave., near by work. I could give Unico another chance. Turns out, I really shouldn’t had, on… Continue reading U[not a] nic[e tac]o: Unico Global Tacos 31-31 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, Queens 4/24/17

It’s great to eat with world travelers. Me and my co-worker Thea talked about the delights and hang-ups of international flights (it been a long, long time since I left the US), cuisine, roommates and side trips. Thea was visiting both London and Paris, and had recently returned 2 weeks ago. Between the stories, we… Continue reading Trip tales at the Van Dam: The Van Dam Diner, 45-55 Van Dam St., Long Island City, Queens 4/25/17

In a few weeks from now, I’ll be in Europe for the first time in 23 years. A tour of Italy in 10 days. I can’t wait!  On the way home, I’ll be in Düsseldorf solo for 19 hours. My co-worker friend John suggested I should ready myself with German food. He lives by 2nd… Continue reading The German cure: Heidelberg Restaurant, 1648 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10028-3111 4/22/17

Today’s a quick lunch since I’m leaving work early tonight. Thanks to some friends who paid me back for some concert tickets for my choir, I have some cash :).  Karu Cafe never does disappoint on a cheap and quick lunch (cash only). I ordered the chicken and egg empanada ($2.72). The ground chicken is… Continue reading Two Latin American tastes in one lunch: Karu Cafe and The Doughnut Plant @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 4/21/17

As an native Oklahoman, I am sad today: it’s the 22nd anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. I try out the usual distractions. Music is a must, some Kate Bush and Talking Heads (“Once in a lifetime”), and maybe some down-home eats. Or, maybe not…my God, what have [they] done?  Don Tapas is a great… Continue reading Not really sloppy: Don Tapas @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 4/19/17

Only 6 hours , 30+ minutes to go…before I will be reunited with wheat. Unfortunately, it won’t be kosher to break the fast for dinner until after choir practice tonight. Crap. (Then again, the goodies usually offered at break time are good!) Anyway, I saved the best gluten-free lunch for last: The Khao Mai Gai,… Continue reading Passover Day 8: Saving the best for last: Khao Man Gai NY @ Falchi’s, 31-00 47th Ave., Long Island City, Queens 4/18/17