So what’s better Auellino or Dee’s?

As far as Eddie’s Sweet Shop goes, I’m all over it. Been going there for years and you’re right, there aren’t many left like that. The only one I know is Hildebrandt’s on Hillside Avenue near New Hyde Park.

Let us know if you check out Pizza Classica. Would like to hear your review. I went to Di Fara’s a few years back and wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be after reading so much praise. I had a Sicilian pie and a couple of plain slices while I was waiting. It was definitely tasty but very soupy and super burnt, not charred, burnt. I understand the charm but I’ve waited my 90 minutes and that’s enough for me. What makes you love the pie so much? If you’re concerned about the pizza legacy head out to Totonno’s in Coney Island or Lucali in Carroll Gardens for a taste of some old school pizzaiola. And for slices of the old style, check out Sal and Carmine’s on B’dway b/t 101-102nd street in Manhattan; it’s my favorite classic NY slice.

I’ve been to Pio, great food, King of Ketchup (who posts on here) loves that place. The fried rice, which I’ve only seen at the UWS location of Pio, is pretty righteous too. I’ve also been to Wafa’s and liked the personality of the place but none of the dishes I tasted really floored me. Then again, I didn’t try any of the things you mentioned so I hope to get out there soon. Good looks about the Bagel place, If I’m heading out your way, I’ll let you know.

And when can we expect to hear about your Queens Asian food roundup? That’s a comment I’d love to see! Thanks for the great intel as always. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year to you too.

Calvin of The Hills,
My AJ’s review really shouldn’t hold weight anymore, they’re under new ownership and a tasting by my immediate family last week confirmed that the original, delicious recipe is gone, replaced by a subpar version. Disappointing to hear no fresh pies after 6pm, only a matter of time before they’re just out of business with a record resembling the garbage we’re seeing now.

If you had to choose between PC and Nick’s, which would you go for? Is PC your favorite slice joint in Queens?

That said , my all time favorite pizza place in NYC, is hands down, Di Fara’s – 1424 Avenue J, BROOKLYN. Yes, I did say Brooklyn. Their artichoke pie could easily be considered as a “last meal”. I only have one big concern, I am not sure the younger generation will take the same loving care, as the old guy has these many years.

Anyway going back to the hood, I forgot to mention Pio Pio – Peruvian, get yourself a whole roasted chicken, rice with red beads, yucca fritta, and an avocado salad. Easily a good meal for two or three at around $28 bucks, I usually take out as the place is very small. Another busy place that is better earlier, then later in the day.

And I also failed to remember , Wafa’s Lebanese – 98-08, 72nd Ave. near the above two places. A very cute, tiny place owned and run by, you guessed it a sweet woman named, Waffa. Delicious meat pies, wonderful lamb kebab sandwich, creamy hummus, and serious eggplant dishes.
Lucky for us, she rotates her small menu with tasty treats almost every few days.

And to end off my posts about Rego Park, Forest Hills places – the number one best bagel joint in the area is – Bagelette at 97-42 -63rd Rd. (near Marshalls). Equal to many of the best places in Manhattan. Their scallion cream cheese spread, lox spread, and cinnamon, raisin, walnut spread are all special treats for those lazy Saturday/Sunday mornings. And yes, I am usually there buying at least half a dozen for the family, and some friends and neighbors. See yah on the net……….LOUie D

Take your car, or ride the Q23 down Austin St, through the Gardens, around to Union Turnpike and go to Pizza Classica. There is simply no comparison for slices in the area, and, perhaps all of Queens.

It’s somewhat of a a pain to get to, though the payoff is well worth it. Try the plain slices, the cheese pie (that’s $6 less than A&J’s and 10X better), or the superb chicken caesar slice, which is double the size of any slice I’ve ever had and costs less than $4.

Now, if we could just get them to open up a location on Austin St, I’d go to Nick’s and PC, and never go to A&J’s again.

Auellino Pizza makes a thicker crust pizza, but uses excellent cheese, and makes a great sauce. Their hero’s are a meal in itself. And their lasagne is pretty decent too.

And speaking of deserts how could I have forgotten – Ed’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue, right across the street from the movie theatre. An authentic 1930’s ice cream store, with an old working soda fountain (remember egg creams, and cherry cokes) , metal stools with the red leather tops, small tables in the back, and black and white tile floor. It even has a working telephone booth, just in case Superman shows up. Poor bridge and tunnel folks from Manhattan have nothing like it anywhere.

Down the block , 107-23 Metropolitan is Dee’s Brick Oven Pizza, a wonderful selection of individual sized pizza pies, good pasta dishes, and wonderful salads. Big beautiful child friendly place, with a very good, and reasonable menu. Is it any wonder why this ex-Westsider from Manhattan only goes there to visit the museums, and a few favorite stores. We have the real mom & pop ethnic restaurants’ here, Manhattan is mostly cooperate Disneyland. Perhaps I will do a post about the great Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Thai restaurants’ in nearby Elmhurst at a later date when I’m not so hungry from writing this post. Keep it real, have a healthy and happy new year……..LOUie D

Sounds good about the pizza and Chinese food. What are the specialties at Andre’s?

And don’t forget one of the best bakeries in NYC – Andre’s Hungarian, heavenly is the only word to describe their pastries.