Jackson Heights

A little farther into Queens than Astoria or Long Island City, Jackson Heights offers the visitor a look at a unique architectural feature begun in early 20th century, of apartment houses built around beautiful gardens—hence, the term “garden apartments.” Where once it was a bastion of white, middle class, largely Jewish families, today it is one of the more ethnically diverse neighborhoods in all of New York City. Newer arrivals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Latin America, live side by side with residents that have been here for sixty or seventy years. In 1993, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated a section of Jackson Heights as a historic district thereby preserving the architectural integrity of these apartments and private homes built between 1910 and the 1940s. Author Daniel Karatzas, showed me around his neighborhood, and shared with me his passion for this corner of the borough that is his home turf. In the book that he wrote on the history of Jackson Heights, “Jackson Heights: A Garden In The City.” We learn that the term “garden apartment” was most likely first used to describe the building complex that went up in Jackson Heights in 1917 built by the Queensboro Corporation. Every window of every apartment had to face the street in front of the building or a beautiful garden in the rear.

As I toured these apartment buildings, I was astounded to see the intricate and beautifully manicured gardens reminiscent of an English garden. Walking through the gates of these buildings and coming upon these gardens is like opening an oyster and being surprised with a perfect pearl.

Image Credit: Wikimedia User: Marcuswoollen

Jackson Heights Eats:

La Portena: Begin your tour of the South American side of Jackson Heights with a stop at La Portena. I haven’t been to Argentina but friends who have tell me this is as close to an authentic Argentine culinary experience as you can get without a passport. For the somewhat adventurous, order the mixed grill that includes blood sausage and tripe. If you want to stay closer to the familiar, there are several delicious preparations of steak and chicken that combine the familiar with local Argentine spices. For a little education check out their website. On it you can find a drawing of a cow that is divided into several sections with a letter of the alphabet in each section that corresponds to the name in Spanish and English of that cut of meat. Personally, I found a few sections that I’ll try to avoid, but that’s just me. 74-25 37th Ave., Jackson Heights

Taqueria Coatzingo: Don’t come for the mariachis or traditional tapestries—you won’t find that here. But you will find very good Mexican food. If you’re not feelin’ it for one of their specials like goat stew, you will be very happy with the tacos al pastor made with the pork you’ll see roasting on the a spit. 76-05 Roosevelt Ave., Jackson Heights

Delhi Heights: Jackson Heights has a very large Indian population, and the subcontinental restaurants to prove it. So it’s hard to choose just one Indian eatery to recommend but my friends in Queens unanimously agree that Delhi Heights is one of the best around. Whether you’re a vegetarian or in the mood for shrimp, chicken, lamb or goat, Delhi Heights with its extensive menu will serve up something otherworldly and transporting. I ordered my favorite Indian dish, chicken tikka masala and it was among the tastiest I’ve tried.

A FINAL NOTE:

If you’re really ambitious and want to venture further into Queens for some treats, check back. In my next installment, I’ll tell you about Rockaway, Flushing, and Floral Park where you’ll find the largest working farm in New York City.

For more adventures in New York’s outer boroughs, check out:

• America’s Gypsy Rego Park, New York
• Three Days Nine Meals or More, New York City
• America’s Gypsy Discovering South Asia in New York’s Jackson Heights
• Complete New York City Travel Guide

By Phyllis Berger for PeterGreenberg.com